NEARLY £16,000 has been awarded to three community groups in Basingstoke and Deane to host celebratory events for The Queen’s platinum Jubilee.

The National Lottery Community Fund gave a total of £4.5 million to 91 projects from its Platinum Jubilee Fund, including three in the borough.

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In honour of Her Majesty’s 70 years of public service, grants of up to £50,000 were made to community groups across the UK to bring together and create lasting legacies for communities.

Melrose Community Association, in Popley, was awarded £9,995 which will be used to host a street party to celebration Jubilee as well as pay towards the running costs of the hall while it continues to operate at a reduced capacity because of the pandemic.

Its application said the money will be used to “bring the community back together to help reduce isolation and improve wellbeing for people of all ages following the pandemic”.

Laverstoke and Freefolk Parish Council was awarded £2,050 to hold a Jubilee event on Friday, June 3 for the community.

Whitchurch Town Council was given £3,891 to host Jubilee celebrations including beacon lighting, a tea dance, art exhibition and community walk.

It said: “The project aims to allow socialisation, meeting of new and old friends, which will boost community spirit and wellbeing and bring the community together after the pandemic.”

Blondel Cluff, chair of The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “It is encouraging to see that this momentous occasion will help unite people and communities across the UK, particularly after facing the challenges of the pandemic.

“Thanks to National Lottery players we have been able to support events and projects across the UK to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee.

“These will help bring people together and create further opportunities for communities to connect, strengthen and thrive – we are delighted that people are excited about taking part and look forward to seeing a wide range of communities getting involved.”

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