TWO BROMSGROVE community groups have received cash boosts from Anglian Home Improvements.
Bromsgrove Cricket Club has been given £1,000 and The Stage Door Dance Academy was handed £500 as part of the company’s #50For50 campaign held to celebrate Anglian’s 50th anniversary.
Nationwide the firm asked for nominations for 50 worthy causes it could support across the UK.
The company, which has a showroom on Stratford Road in Solihull, was inundated with requests from the likes of community groups, schools, local organisations and charities requiring new windows or doors, a financial donation, or another gesture of support.
The two Bromsgrove organisations were among those chosen following careful consideration by a judging panel which included television and radio presenter Philippa Forrester.
Founded in 1842, Bromsgrove Cricket Club plays a key role in the local community with people of all ages using the club to improve their cricket skills, whilst also boosting their fitness, confidence and ability to work as part of team.
Recently the club has focused on making cricket more appealing and accessible to girls. Before starting the scheme the club did not have a girls’ team but now has two – an Under-11s and Under-13s team which train weekly and play competitive matches against other local teams.
Kelly Evenson, coach at Bromsgrove Cricket Club, said they were thrilled with the donation which will be put towards the costs of a bowling machine.
“We hope that having this superb facility to use in training will make a huge difference in encouraging girls to give cricket a go, and will go a long way to support the development of existing players.
“Since setting up the girls’ teams in 2016, four of the players have gone on to play in the Worcestershire County team.”
For over 20 years The Stage Door Academy, based at Stoke Prior Village Hall, has worked with local youngsters from the age of three to help improve their dance skills whilst boosting their fitness, confidence, and ability to work as part of a team.
Principal Martina Ponsonby said: “In order to achieve our goal of supporting children to benefit from dance and the performing arts, we rely on self-generated funding and the generosity of the public.
“Therefore, we are extremely grateful to Anglian Home Improvements for its donation of £500.
“This generous contribution will help to cover the costs of providing workshops with professionals in the performing arts industry and essential dance equipment, including dance and acrobatic crash mats.”
Steve Hoadley, Divisional Managing Director for Anglian Home Improvements Midlands and South West, said the selected causes stood out to the judges for the invaluable contribution they made to their local areas, adding he was delighted to announce them among the winners.
Visit www.anglianhome.co.uk for more about Anglian Home Improvements and details of other #50for50 winners.
