Purpose

This report presents an application for funding
under the Council’s Community Funding Programme.  

 

An application to the Community Fund has been
received from Crafty Makery for £4,999 to enable them to replace their current
lighting to energy efficient LEDs.

 

Crafty Makery is a not-for-profit Community
Interest Company that provides a community space for all ages to come together
to learn or participate in a variety of crafting projects. The organisation
teaches skills, in addition to being a valued space for all-important social
interactions and connections.  Many of
the people that benefit from its activities face disadvantage or limitations
that, in a less supportive environment, would make social interaction
inaccessible.

 

Crafty Makery would like to replace all the
ground floor lighting from halogen to LED bulbs.  This work would require filling the ceiling
holes as less fittings will be required. The LED lighting would give off a
better-quality light allowing their many users - some of which have visual
impairment due to age or special needs - to see better in the shop unit when
taking place in social groups and craft activities. The Fareham History folders
are also situated within the Crafty Makery shop and this improved light will
allow for the documents to be studied more easily.

 

As well as improved visibility, the LED
lighting would last longer resulting in less waste and reduced electricity
bills which would allow the CIC to become more financially stable.  The proposed replacement lights are also more
robust and less prone to burn out and breakages through shocks, vibrations and
temperature changes.

 

Fareham Borough Council’s Asset Management Team
and the Shopping Centre Management support this project which will not only
improve visibility but also increase environmental sustainability.

 

The total cost of this project is £8,500.
Crafty Makery are looking for £4,999 from the Community Fund, with the
remaining amount of £3,501 being funded from their fundraising.  They have already raised £2,226.62 and
anticipate reaching their target by October.

 

As of 30 May 2025, Crafty Makery held £4,667.84
in their accounts. In accounting year Feb 2023-Jan 2024, there was an income of
£27,559 and expenditure of £26,017.

 

Both Ward Councillors, Councillor L Whittle and
Councillor K Wiltshire, support Crafty Makery’s application.

Decision

RESOLVED
that the Executive Member for Leisure and Community approve the application to
award £4,999 from the Community Fund with the following conditions: -

            
i.   To apply through Fareham Borough
Council for a licence to alter the premises before the works commence.

           
ii.   To provide full details of the
proposed works to Fareham Shopping Centre Management, with the contractors Risk
assessment, Method Statement and Public Liability Insurance prior to
commencement of work.

         
iii.   The monies will be released once
Fareham Borough Council receives confirmation that Crafty Makery’s
fundraising target is met.