The young people tackling their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award through 2nd Alton Boys’ Brigade had a welcome surprise when they received a grant from East Hampshire District Council through local councillor Cllr Graham Hill.
The grant of £450 enabled the group to buy two expedition tents and a rucksack, to replace kit that had given excellent service for over 15 years but which had reached the end of its useful life.
Although the expedition season is over until next spring, Councillor Hill was at the Methodist Church in Alton recently for a formal handover of the equipment, with several Boys' Brigade members in attendance.
He said: “The Duke of Edinburgh is an excellent programme and I am pleased to again support the 2nd Alton Boys Brigade to help young people in Alton to achieve this award.”
As well as DofE, the church also runs a Young Venturers group for those in school years 8 and 9, as an introduction to navigation, camping and the great outdoors.
David Allan, who leads both DofE and Venturers, said: “The equipment is really welcome and will be put to excellent use over coming years. We thank Councillor Hill and EHDC for their support and encouragement.”
Councillor Community Grants
Every EHDC councillor has a funding pot of £4,500 to give to local good causes - find out how you can apply below.