We are in the big money!

EVERYONE a winner . . . all recipients with, front with cheque from left, Jodie Barber (ROCA fund chair) and Joanne White (FCHO funding assistant)

COMMUNITY groups from across Oldham gathered together to celebrate winning a share of almost £20,000 in the latest round of Rapid ROCA (Respect Our Community Awards) funding.

A variety of different organisations, including social clubs, gardening groups and charitable causes, gathered at First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO) after being informed of their successful grant application.

A total of 41 groups received funding of up to £500 to help finance vital projects in the borough as part of the third Rapid ROCA.

Jodie Barber, Chair of the ROCA panel, said: "This Year's Rapid ROCA has proven to be even more popular than last year with a significant increase in applications.

"The panel had the challenge of looking at a wide range of community-based activities and we were delighted to be able to allocate funding to 41 projects from the 72 application received.

"These small cash grants will make a huge difference for the people of Oldham who will benefit from such an interesting and wide range of activities that will help improve the communities and lives of all involved."

ROCA awards was established in 2007 by FCHO with the aim of building confident communities through providing financial assistance for projects that bring neighbourhoods together or develop skills.

Money is donated to the fund from FCHO and its partner organisations.

A funding award of £500 from Rapid ROCA means the show can go on for Spotlight Theatre Group after they were successful in their application for a new audio mixer desk.

Sylvia Kershaw and Jeanette Connor of the group said: "The funding has come just in time for us as our last audio mixer blew up after our last show!

"The funding will make a real difference to us and it means our next production of Oliver can go ahead.

"These grants are great for organisation in need of a leg-up and the process of applying is easy and simple."

The Hardy Perennials, a 12-month-old gardening club at Elm Leigh in Royton, were also delighted to receive £500 for a new shed after struggling with their current one for too long,

Maggie Mellor said: "We were desperate for a new shed, the old one was not fit for purpose any longer.

"It will make a huge impact on our group and make our gardening much easier.

"The application was straight forward and we received lots of help during the process."

The Medlock Bee Keeping Association were buzzing about their donation, which helped provide bee suits and organise a workshop for those interesting in the activity, while the Cartmel Allotments group will now be able to access running water, recycled on the site, after the funding allowed them to introduce a generator for water harvesting.

Diane Drinkwater, who represents both groups, said: "The funding is so important for our groups to continue and grow.

"First Choice Homes have been excellent and are very supportive of the community."

Football-mad youngsters at Glodwick Dynamoes will be able to get their hands on medals for their efforts after the group were successful in their application.

Nasir Ali, who trains over 60 young people in football skills, said: "The medals will be used to recognise progress of those working hard in training and also as encouragement to those who volunteer with me to help train the younger teams.

"Everyone is really excited and it will be a great incentive to get them more involved in football coaching and learning new skills."

The funding was music to the ears of Diggle Band who will now be able to fund an innovative way of recruiting new members.

Robin Bissell of the band said: "The money will help us fund instruments that young people will be able to "test drive" and see if they enjoy playing.

"We are always in need of new members to keep our band going and we hope this will help us to recruit those interested in playing in a brass band but are concerned about the expense of buying an instrument.

"The area has a proud tradition of brass band and this is our way of helping that to continue and giving people a chance to get involved with the band at village events."