A quarter of a million reasons to be grateful at the start of 2024.
Vision Buxton member, Buxton Civic Association, is to receive support totalling £249,990 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund’s ‘Resilience and Recovery’ funding stream over the next two years thanks to a funding application written by new CEO David Green, shortly after he joined the charity in 2023.
This investment will enable the environmental heritage charity to begin preparations for its diamond anniversary in 2027, by enhancing their volunteering, visitor and membership programmes, giving further emphasis to developing widespread community involvement and public engagement. The money will also enable reviews of digital provision, marketing, retail and governance, allowing the BCA team to bring in two full-time project staff to support tasks, alongside a variety of expert consultants. Much-needed conservation equipment and materials will also be purchased.
David Green, the charities first Chief Executive, says:
“We are very grateful to everyone at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, and all National Lottery players for their support. This money should be seen as a much-welcomed strategic investment in heritage conservation and engagement within our community.” He added, “The investment is a hugely exciting opportunity for Buxton Civic Association, and the residents of Buxton, who we are encouraging to get involved. Over the next two years we will be developing a number of new ways individuals and partner organisations will be able to help conserve our town’s heritage, maintaining Buxton as a special and popular place. We are really keen that we use this opportunity to grow our relevance to local residents, and celebrate our fantastic natural and built heritage”.
Robyn Llewellyn, Director, England, Midlands & East at The National Lottery Heritage Fund says:
“Heritage has an essential role to play in making communities better places to live and supporting environmental regeneration. At The National Lottery Heritage Fund, we want to ensure that heritage is valued, cared for and sustained by everyone now and in the future. We are pleased to be able to lend our support to Buxton Civic Association with the development of their programming and conservation of their local heritage, which will be crucial for Buxton and its community.”
Buxton Civic Association is unique among civic associations, due to the number of assets for which it takes direct responsibility. These not only include the SSSI-listed Poole’s Cavern, but also Grinlow Wood and Corbar Wood amongst others. BCA also campaigns actively within the town for high-quality, environmentally-sensitive developments which encourage biodiversity, whilst publishing a number of books and journals that celebrate the heritage of the town.
In 2020, as Buxton emerged from the pandemic, BCA embraced the chance to enhance its community engagement through the “Stronger Roots” initiative, a programme aimed at inspiring individuals to harness the positive impacts on wellbeing and mental health through closer interaction with nature. The programme facilitated a diverse range of woodland activities and volunteering opportunities. The resounding success of “Stronger Roots” inspired the trustees to continue its community-focused endeavours, and this Heritage Fund investment will allow the exploration of more diverse volunteering roles and visitor programming.
Get Involved
Anyone interested in volunteering with BCA should keep an eye on the BCA website and social media, which will be used to promote opportunities and disseminate updates on the project to the community. BCA also welcome potential partnership working opportunities from interested individuals and organisations.
To apply for one of the project roles this grant will support, click the links below. Application deadlines are 28 January.
Volunteering Development Manager
Membership and Marketing Officer
More Information
Website: www.buxtoncivicassociation.org.uk
Contact: David Green, Chief Executive Officer, Buxton Civic Association, dave.green@buxtoncivicassociation.org.uk, 01298 26978
About The National Lottery Heritage Fund
As the largest dedicated funder of the UK’s heritage, The National Lottery Heritage Fund’s vision is for heritage to be valued, cared for and sustained for everyone, now and in the future as set out in the strategic plan, Heritage 2033.
Over the next ten years, the Heritage Fund aims to invest £3.6billion raised for good causes by National Lottery players to bring about benefits for people, places and the natural environment.
The Heritage Fund helps protect, transform and share the things from the past that people care about, from popular museums and historic places, our natural environment and fragile species, to the languages and cultural traditions that celebrate who we are.
The Heritage Fund is passionate about heritage and committed to driving innovation and collaboration to make a positive difference to people’s lives today, while leaving a lasting legacy for future generations to enjoy.
Website: www.heritagefund.org.uk
Socials: @HeritageFundUK on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
Hashtag: #NationalLotteryHeritageFund