£25,000 grant to Meet secures its viability (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

£25,000 grant to Meet secures its viability

1:10pm Friday 5th February 2010

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BARNARD Castle Meet has been given a £25,000 grant, the largest single sum it has ever secured.

The money will be spent on equipment that can be lent out to bring in further income.

A large site generator, marquees and a PA system will be bought for use at the meet, which dates back to 1885. The items will also be available for community groups to hire at a reduced rate.

Angela Grady, treasurer, said, “We have worked extremely hard to talk with other groups around the dale and find solutions to some of the problems the Meet is facing.

“This new equipment will cut significant costs of our Whit carnival and we have already got many bookings from other groups.”

For several years, the Meet struggled financially and doubt was cast over its future, but more recently, expanding crowds, a wider range of events and fine weather have combined to swell the coffers.

Thom Robinson, secretary, said, “The Meet has gone from strength to strength. Concerning this grant, both the YMCA and Teesdale Community Resources must be given their special thanks for helping to pull it off.

“It really goes to show what can happen when you all get your heads together.”

The funding from Dales Leader comes through the Rural Development Programme for England, which is funded by Defra and the European Union, and is managed by One North East.

The meet committee works year round to organise the annual event, which this year will take place from May 28-31.

As well as the traditional parade and families activities, there are plans for a circus, puppet workshops and live music.

Equipment bought with the grant will be loaned under a venture called MEEThire. It will be available from the spring; for details, call 07855-805495 or visit barnardcastlemeet.org.uk.

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