£10,000 Granted to Local Community Projects at Dragons’ Den!

Excitement and energy filled the Westfield Sports and Community Centre on a recent Thursday evening, as more than 80 residents from Radstock and Westfield came together for the 13th Community Dragons’ Den event.

Just days before the event, organisers received the fantastic news that the Roper Family Charitable Trust had agreed to double the funding pot. The news was kept under wraps until the evening itself, surprising both participants and audience members alike.

The standard of the pitches was outstanding and impressed everyone in attendance. In a unique twist on the Dragons’ Den format, it was the audience who decided the winners. The dragons played a different role, offering encouragement and helping applicants explain and develop their project ideas.

Congratulations to all ten winning projects, each of which received up to £1,000 to make a positive difference in the local community. Winning projects included Writhlington Community Hub Group, which will run a community talent show and Christmas meal for local residents; Little Lost Robot CIC, which secured funding to purchase a kiln and deliver pottery workshops for local people; and Radstock Community Library, which will use its grant to help children and young people discover the art of storytelling.

The event also celebrated the many groups whose applications were unsuccessful on the night. Their ideas, passion and commitment were equally inspiring. Support does not end with the event, and organisers will continue working with applicants to help them access further funding and resources to turn their ideas into reality. To see a full rundown of the winning projects and learn more about how the funding will be used, visit the Radstock & Westfield Big Local Facebook page.

Mark Roper, of the Roper Family Charitable Trust said: “We were delighted to support this year’s Community Dragons’ Den and to help increase the funding available to local groups. The Somer Valley is home to an incredible range of organisations, volunteers and community leaders who work tirelessly to make a difference in people’s lives. We are keen to build on our support in the area and look forward to working with local partners to help more community projects thrive in the years ahead.”

Rob Wicke, who organised and delivered the event on behalf of 3SG and Radstock & Westfield Big Local, said: “The additional funding will significantly increase the impact these projects can have in our communities, and we are extremely grateful for the support.”

The evening was a celebration of passionate people, inspiring projects and the incredible community spirit that exists across Radstock and Westfield.

Special thanks go to the three community dragons: Jackie Partridge from Somer Valley Rotary, Julie Newman from Quartet Community Foundation, and Dr Anne Cooke from Impact Alliance. Their encouragement, insight and support helped applicants develop and present their ideas with confidence. Thanks also go to Somer Valley Rotary for their continued support of the event and for making yet another valuable contribution to the funding pot.

The event was delivered by 3SG in partnership with Radstock & Westfield Big Local, helping local people turn great ideas into projects that will benefit communities across the area.