Several groups from the Galashiels community have embraced the great outdoors and returned to nature following a series of grant awards from the Hayward Sanderson Trust.
The 6th Galashiels Brownies, Gala in Bloom, and Glendinning Primary School Parent Teachers Association successfully applied for funding from the Trust, whose purpose includes the advancement of health, education and training, and the relief of those in need.
The Brownie Pack award allowed approximately forty girls, aged between 7-14 years old, along with ten leaders from 6th Galashiels Brownies, 4th Galashiels Brownies & Guides and Tweedbank Guides, to enjoy a residential stay at Wiston Lodge near Biggar; their first trip since March 2020.
The day included the opportunity for the girls to try five adventurous activities from a blindfolded obstacle course, a low ropes challenge, canoeing, archery, and a high pole challenge. Kirsteen MacKenzie, Leader from 6th Galashiels Brownies, said: “We would like to thank the Hayward Sanderson Trust very much for their generous donation to enable us to offer a joint adventure day and sleepover. The funding allowed us to offer all these activities, including lunch and transport, at a much-reduced rate to parents whilst also supporting those on low incomes, where finance can be a barrier to participation.”
Ensuring Galashiels looks its best, a place to be enjoyed by all, the Trust has awarded £10,000 to Gala in Bloom over the last two years. The most recent award of £5,000 supported the group’s volunteers with their work in creating floral displays in Bank Street Gardens and planters located throughout the town centre.
Lastly, Glendinning School Parents Teachers Association can easily carry out school garden projects following their grant of £1600 to help acquire a garden shed for tools and equipment.
Christine Dorward, Hayward Sanderson trustee, said: “Spending time outdoors is well documented to improve the physical and mental well-being of people of all ages. One of our aims is the advancement of health, and we welcome any application that supports our cause, just like those from the Brownies, Gala in Bloom and Glendinning school PTA. I wish I could have joined the Brownies on their day out!”
The Hayward Sanderson Trust welcomes grant applications from groups from Galashiels and beyond.
Photo left to right: Kirsteen MacKenzie, Ocean, Lacey, Katie, Georgie, Christine Dorward, Madeleine, Venuri, Blanka, Poppy, Faye, Annabelle, Emma, Ella and Krystal
