THE 11th community Big Local Dragons Den event recently saw more than 70 residents compete for funding fort community projects, with ten winners receiving up to £1,000 each to support their initiatives.
Participants pitched their ideas to an audience at Westfield Sports and Community Centre which was responsible for selecting the ten winners. The dragons took on a supportive role, assisting the pitchers in articulating their project ideas clearly on Friday, November 22.
The organisers are committed to providing ongoing support to all groups, helping them secure additional resources to bring their ideas to fruition.
Long-standing dragon Angela Emms, who is philanthropy manager at Quartet Community Foundation, said: “At a time of rising costs, and rising demands for local charities, it is fantastic to see the energy and enthusiasm that the groups put into their pitches to Dragon’s Den.
”As a friendly Dragon it is always a shame that not all groups can be successful, however, it has been a pleasure over the last few years to see several of the groups who come to Dragon’s Den then submit (and receive) funding through Quartet Community Foundation for their wider activities.”
The winners of the 11th community Dragons’ Den event were:
In no particular order:
- Writhlington Action Group – To create a nature trail of rubbing plaques around local parks.
- Trauma Breakthrough Charity – To provide a mental health support service at Hope House Centre.
- SWALLOW Charity – To offer local swimming sessions to their members.
- Westfield Sports & Community Centre – To develop a patio for the centre and local park users.
- Southside Family Project – To add hot community meals to their offer at the Writhlington village hall.
- Park Skate School CIC – To provide free skate sessions and volunteer training at their new indoor skate space in Radstock.
- Norton Radstock Amateur Boxing – To make essential repairs, ensuring the continuation of a safe space for young people.
- Small Stuff Baby Bank – To continue offering free baby equipment to new families while seeking new premises.
- Mark Bishop – A local resident who donated an ironmonger’s forge to the Radstock community, raising funds to develop it into a community arts and skills space.
- Girls and Boys Brigade – To support their expanding group with creative local activities.
Those who want to get involved in the next Dragons Den event in 2025 should visit the website for more information: www.radstockwestfield.org.uk [email protected]