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Grass roots given chance to grow
NUMEROUS groups and individuals are doing tireless work for their communities, says Mail editor Paul Napier.
He added: "They are the unseen heroes of our area, making life much better for so many people, young and old.
"However, they could do much more if they just had a little more money to fund their work.
"In an ideal world this wouldn't be an issue. We can't solve all their problems but we can help them with one-off projects or purchases which can make a real difference to real people.
"That is what these awards are all about."
Clive Robinson, managing director of Combined Insurance, said: "Combined Insurance is always getting requests for sponsorship from various community groups, but it is so difficult to decide which is most deserving.
''By running this programme we believe we can bring funding to grass-roots level within a community and find the most meaningful way of spending our money.
"Throughout this competition I believe that we will see examples of the fantastic work that people are doing and who, with a little help, can do a great deal more.
"This is a great opportunity to make it happen."
Any individual, community group or charity can apply for a share of our cash pool. All they have to do is write to the Mail at the address below and explain what they do, how much they want, what the money would be used for and how it would make a difference.
The closing date is October 31, and please include a contact daytime telephone number.
Once all the requests are in, a panel of judges from the Mail and Combined Insurance will sit down and select those we feel we can help.
Applicants will then be invited to an awards ceremony in Hartlepool in November, where successful groups and individuals will be presented with their cheques.
One group bidding for our help is Hartlepool's Foggy Furze Folk Club. It was formed more than two years ago, and is in desperate need of electrical equipment.
Around 20 members meet every Tuesday, at 8.30pm, at the Travellers Rest, in Hartlepool's Stockton Road, to perform folk music.
But with only acoustic guitars and no electrical equipment it is sometimes difficult for people to be heard.
Ian Ferguson, 51, a founding member of the club, is hoping to receive 200 funding to provide a Marshall FR50 amplifier and a microphone.
He said: "It would be fantastic if we were chosen to receive a share of the money. An amplifier would make such a huge difference and would really help the club.
"As well as the weekly meetings we have monthly events which are regularly attended by up to 80 people.
"Having the choice of an electric or acoustic performance would be ideal."
If you want to apply for an award like the Foggy Furze Folk Club has, then don't delay. The address to write to is: Make It Happen, Newsdesk, Hartlepool Mail, New Clarence House, Wesley Square, Hartlepool, TS28 8BX.
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Sunday 12 February 2012
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