Heart of Bucks has awarded grants to more than 1,500 charities and organisations across Buckinghamshire over the last 25-years. All our grants make a visible difference to individuals or communities but sometimes there is a hidden impact not obvious at first glance.
This month our 25th anniversary tour went to Beaconsfield and Marlow where we discovered unexpected benefits which happened thanks to our grants.
The day started at Dove Café St Thomas’ Church Holtspur. The café was installed in 2021 to provide a place for everyone and help reduce social isolation and loneliness. A grant from Heart of Bucks paid for the fit out of the café kitchen, new flooring and tables and chairs. This safe, warm space is used by a range of people within the community from young families to the elderly. It also has several volunteers with additional needs who thrive on being able to gain life skills, giving them independence and confidence beyond the café walls.
Outside the church sits one of the community mosaics put in place by Creative Partnerships Beaconsfield. The mosaic depicts three doves made from tiles personalised by members of the local community. The mosaics are dedicated to the key workers for their service during the Covid lockdowns. There are now seven sites with stunning celebratory murals which have brought together more than 1,500 residents and unleashed creativity in people of all ages and abilities.
At the 4th Beaconsfield Scouts we saw their new ‘cowshed’ an outdoor covered area for crafts and eating outside which is completely accessible thanks to a new ramp and path. While the Heart of Bucks grant only covered part of the work it was the first donation which helped galvanise the troop into action to raise the rest of the funds and inspired them to consider what else they may be able to achieve to improve the facilities for all their scouts and parents.
The afternoon started amongst the pouring rain at the outdoor activity centre Longridge on the Thames. The site offers land and water-based pursuits for people of all ages and abilities, and we were lucky enough to experience an outing on a bell boat. This fantastic 12-acre site has been improved with the help of grants from Heart of Bucks and the work of the amazing on-site team and volunteers. Improvements include; a new tented village to provide inspiring accommodation from young people, updates to facilities damaged by flooding and the purchase of new equipment including a dragon boat.
Just over the bridge into Marlow we stopped at the Marlow Museum. Tucked away, this small but vibrant museum tells the story of Marlow and, thanks to a grant from Heart of Bucks, has just been awarded status as a fully accredited museum. The museum offers free access to its displays both on-site and within the community to allow visitors to learn about the history and culture of Marlow, extending knowledge of and pride for this beautiful Bucks town.
Our final stop of the day was the Lady Ryder Memorial Garden. Thankfully the rain held off and we were able to fully experience this walled garden. The space is filled with fruit, vegetables, flowers and more importantly passion and pride from its team of volunteers who received the Kings Award for Voluntary Service in 2024. The garden provides social, rehabilitative, therapeutic and training opportunities in horticulture for children and adults who have lost their way in life, who have special educational needs, or who have physical or mental disabilities. Grants from Heart of Bucks have funded electrical and water supplies for the tool shed to assist not only with maintaining the garden and tools but also providing deserved cups of tea for the many volunteers.
Another rewarding day of finding out about the visible and invisible impact the grants Heart of Bucks has awarded in the last 25-years.
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