Ashington Town Council Awards Community Group Funding
Ashington Town Council met on Tuesday 13th February and agreed to award funding to three local community groups for their work to better the town. A total of £1,500 was granted from the council's small grant fund.
The Ashington Community Litter Pickers were awarded £500 to support their efforts in keeping the streets and public spaces of Ashington clean. Council members expressed thanks and praised the group for the excellent job they are doing.
Pictured in photo from left to right; George Dobson, Elaine Tibbit, Scott Wilson, Civic Head, Tommy Johnson and Linda Young (also Elaine Peverly not pictured)
The Butokokan Judo Club was also awarded £500 to aid their work promoting health, wellbeing and community engagement through the sport of judo. The funding will help the club continue offering opportunities for residents to participate.
Andrew and Rachael, who recently took over leadership of the Butokokan Judo Club from Michael, its founder, are dedicated to growing the club's reach in Ashington and surrounding communities.
The couple's young daughter is eager to begin lessons and with a second child on the way, Rachael continues actively coaching. The club currently offers affordable sessions for both kids and adults in Newbiggin and Ashington, with plans to expand offerings in Ashington to two classes per week.
With all volunteer coaches and officials certified through the National Governing Body, the club prides itself on providing a safe, welcoming space for judo enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels. Two teen students are even nearing completion of their own coaching accreditations, ensuring strong succession planning.
The requested funds will help purchase new crash mats to replace aging equipment, supporting three Ashington judokas who recently qualified to compete at the 2024 British Schools National Championships. The club is thrilled to financially back these young athletes as they represent local schools NCEA Dukes Secondary and Ashington Academy.
North Seaton Colliery Community Centre received £500 to carry out much needed repairs to the centre which supports events and services they offer for local families. The North Seaton Colliery Community Centre serves over 100 people every week through groups like the Get2Together disability group, indoor bowls club, and slimming club. The Centre's committee has plans to add more improvements and activities to continue serving and engaging the local Ashington community.
Pictured in photo from left to right; Alan Brown, Roy Davison, Kaitlin Davison and Heather Brown with Civic Head, Cllr Victor Bridges.
Ashington Town Council plans to continue offering such community funding in the upcoming financial year. Groups can find out more about grant opportunities by clicking here.
Butokokan Judo Club
