Community and sports clubs in Bishop’s Stortford and Sawbridgeworth receive cash boosts from county councillors

Three good causes in Bishop’s Stortford and Sawbridgeworth have been boosted by grants from their Hertfordshire county councillors.

Each member of the authority gets £5,000 a year to spend on projects that promote the social, economic or environmental wellbeing of their area.

Liberal Democrat Cllr Calvin Horner (Bishop’s Stortford East) has given £700 to Grove Cottage, the home of Mencap in Stortford, in London Road to support staffing costs for the Grove Cottage@South Mill Arts social club every Wednesday.

“Grove Cottage provides such a valuable service for disabled people and their families in Bishop’s Stortford,” said Cllr Horner. “I know from growing up with a brother with Down’s syndrome the importance of social clubs like this. It really does build confidence, develop life skills and help overcome social isolation.”

Conservative Cllr Graham McAndrew (Bishop’s Stortford Rural) has given £600 to the Bishop’s Stortford VIP (Visually Impaired Persons) Club to support monthly meetings. Its elderly members have a range of sight problems and often mobility problems.

He said: “I’m delighted to support such a meaningful initiative that brings so much joy and connection to members of our community.

“Social contact is vital for wellbeing, and I’m glad to contribute in a small way to the wonderful work the VIP Club does. This will support upcoming gatherings and ensure that the organisation can continue making a positive difference in the lives of its members.”

Conservative Cllr Eric Buckmaster (Sawbridgeworth) has given £500 to Sawbridgeworth Sports Association to provide three new signs for the football club on London Road/Cambridge Road and Crofters in Sawbridgeworth. They will make it easier for visiting teams to find the ground and highlight a historic sporting amenity, established in 1922.