Sport Haslemere has announced which of its member clubs are to receive a share of its big New Year £7,500 give-away for the financial year 2023/24.

Each year a sum of £7,500 is available to member clubs to assist with capital projects which improve facilities for sport, leisure and the development of health and fitness in Haslemere and its environs.

Applications are made in early November and awards notified to the clubs and schools by the end of December.

This year, grants are to be paid towards projects ranging from new sports equipment for less-abled children at Camelsdale School to turf treatment to eliminate chafer grubs at Grayshott Cricket Club.

Chris Grimes, chairman of Sport Haslemere, said: “All of our 47 member organisations are eligible to receive awards up to a maximum of £1,500 per project.

“We encourage our members to make application for funds towards much larger projects and aim to be a funder of first resort – enabling them to make other applications showing that they already have the support of their local sports council.

“For the 2023 round of awards we received applications from eight organisations which we considered to ensure the clubs had adequate resources to meet at least 50 per cent of the total costs and that the scheme would help improve the facilities for their members. “

“After careful consideration”, Mr Grimes said the following grants were approved:

* Grayswood Cricket Club – £750 towards the cost of resurfacing its cricket nets

* Camelsdale School - £500 towards the cost of new sports equipment for less-abled children

* Beacon Hill Junior Football Club – £1,500 towards the cost of the new 3G pitch at Woolmer Hill

* Grayshott Cricket Club – £750 towards the cost of turf treatment to eliminate chafer grubs

* Camelsdale Primary School – £500 towards the cost of new gymnasium equipment

* Hindhead Playing Field Association – £1,000 towards the cost of renovating the pavilion

* Haslemere Town Youth Football Club – £1,477 for new goal posts

* Shottermill Infants School – £500 towards netting around artificial turf.

Mr Grimes said he was delighted that all eight applicants had been supported although not always to the full amount requested.

Sport Haslemere (www.sporthaslemere.com) is a non-profit organization that promotes and improves sport and recreational activities in Haslemere and surrounding areas.

Being a member of Sport Haslemere entitles organisations to make bids each year for these grants – annual membership is available for just £20.