It is not every day that one gets to deliver news of this calibre. In fact, days like this are rare enough to deserve a proper celebration.
We are delighted to announce that following a great deal of hard work, the Cabot Cruising Club has been awarded two significant grants from the Bristol City Council Area Committee.
A Sterling Effort
Before we get to the numbers, we must first embarrass our Commodore, Ben, and the dedicated team who worked alongside him.
Securing council funding is a task that requires the patience of a saint and the persistence of a terrier. It involves navigating a maze of forms, stages, and eligibility criteria that would test the resolve of the sturdiest sailor. Ben and the team have steered us through this administrative storm with absolute skill, securing a result that will benefit this club for years to come.
To Ben and everyone involved: a very sincere well done.
The Details
In total, the committee has approved funding for two separate proposals, bringing a significant investment to our doorstep.
1. Improvements to John Sebastian Quay (£58,800)
The Council’s Harbour Authority has been awarded funds to carry out essential upgrades to our immediate surroundings. This isn’t just a lick of paint; it includes:
Lighting: £23,000 to upgrade the street lighting.
Paving: £8,000 to repair the surfacing on the quayside (putting an end to the wobbly stones).
Safety: £11,600 to relocate the handrail to the water’s edge.
Cleanliness: £12,200 for two “Big Belly” compaction bins, clever devices that should help keep the quay tidy.
Access: £4,000 for a new removable bollard and curb work on Bathurst Parade.
2. The John Sebastian Project (£68,000)
This is the particular triumph. The Committee has awarded the Club directly with £68,000 to deliver our project: ‘Making a Bristol Historic Maritime Vessel Accessible as a Community Amateur Sports Club’.
This funding is vital for the future of our ship, ensuring she remains a welcoming, accessible, and sturdy home for all of us.
What Comes Next?
For the quayside improvements, the Council will take the lead. For the £68,000 grant, the ball is back in our court. We have some final paperwork to submit (insurance documents, policies, and the like) before the funds are released, but the difficult part is behind us.
It is a tremendous start to the year ahead. If you see Ben or the team at the club, do give them a pat on the back. It is a job very well done indeed.