New Minibus
Posted by Rowland Karl on 28 February 2018
Torridge Councils Community Grant scheme found another worthy recipient when a cheque for £12,000 was handed over to the Bideford Amateur Rowing Club to help fund the purchase of a new Minibus. The grant application was supported by all three of Bideford North’s District Councillors: Peter Christie, Trevor Johns and Dermot McGeough.
With 220 members and approximately 35 junior competitors, a minibus is vital to the club’s operations; without it junior rowers (those aged under 18 years) would not be able to attend events. The club’s previous minibus was 15 years old and in urgent need of replacement, but with a new vehicle costing over £20,000 the club were unable to purchase the vehicle they need to safely transport young rowers and equipment to regattas and competitions across the South West.
Andy Cox, Vice Chair of BARC said “The £12,000 grant is a fantastic help to the club in being able to purchase a new minibus and will allow both junior and senior rowers in the Club to continue to represent Bideford at southwest and national competitions. We are very grateful to our councillors and to the Torridge Councils Community Grant scheme for their support.’
Bideford Councillor and Town Mayor Dermot McGeough said: “We believe it is really important to engage young people in activities that promote an active and healthier lifestyle and we are happy to support the Bideford Amateur Rowing Club which has been providing this opportunity for a number of years. Also, because the Bideford regattas attract large numbers of people to our Little White Town, rowing supports our local business and increases trade in the area.”