The £65,000 WMI Community Fund has now been allocated to 12 local projects, each helping strengthen the places, facilities and activities that matter most to the community.

Created to help improve shared spaces, strengthen community facilities and encourage greater use of the 109-acre community parks at the WMI site. From grassroots sport and wellbeing initiatives to accessibility improvements and local infrastructure, each project reflects the ideas and priorities of the people who know the area best.

Christopher White, LCP, said:

“We’re incredibly proud to see the Community Fund supporting projects that have been put forward by local groups, to help support local people. Every project, whether large or small, helps strengthen the places we share, and we’re grateful to everyone who applied.”

Penkridge Juniors Football Club

A local group to benefit from the fund included Penkridge Juniors FC, with the club’s girls’ football team receiving new kits and training equipment.

Established in 1985, the club has long been an important part of the local community, providing children of all ages with opportunities to develop confidence, teamwork and a love of football in a welcoming and supportive environment.

Norman Mence, Chair of the club, said:

“We are absolutely delighted to have been awarded this generous grant. By investing in our club, WMI is investing in the future of our community. The funding has already played a role in forming our U10 girls’ team and registering them in the league.”

Brewood Juniors Football Club

Brewood Juniors FC also secured support to help the club continue its work supporting young people across the area.

Run by dedicated volunteers, the club provides football opportunities for children of all ages, creating an inclusive environment where teamwork, confidence and an active lifestyle can flourish.

The funding they received has enabled the purchase of new goals, allowing the girls’ teams to play home matches in Brewood using modern equipment that meets FA safety standards. Expected to remain in use for 10 to 15 years, the goals will benefit today’s players as well as future generations of the club.

Tom Biggar, Chairman, said:

“Our club has over 200 youngsters across 15 teams, and all of them will see some benefit from the new goals and the line marker we purchased with the remaining funds. This equipment has made a huge difference to our club, and we all really appreciate the contribution.”

With more than 200 young players from the parish and surrounding villages, the improvements are already helping create an even better experience for everyone who takes part.

Penkridge Parish Council – Gailey War Memorial

The area around Gailey War Memorial has also been improved through funding, creating a more welcoming and accessible place for residents and visitors alike.

Including a new access gate, an all-weather pathway and two benches, making the memorial easier to reach while providing a peaceful place to sit, remember and reflect.

Lesley Hough, Parish Clerk, said:

“Previously there was no access gate, which meant a long walk around to the main entrance, and the grass surface made it very hard to access in winter. There was also no resting place for visitors to sit and contemplate. These improvements will make a real difference, and we really appreciate the contribution.”

Enhancements that will ensure the memorial remains an accessible and valued space for the whole community for years to come.