A CASH-strapped upper dale farming charity has been handed a lifeline after the Prince’s Trust stepped in with an emergency grant.
Utass’ (Upper Teesdale Agricultural Support Services) Lottery funding came to an end in May and a new bid for more cash is still being assessed, leaving a gaping hole its finances.
Joint project manager Bob Danby told the charity’s annual meeting on Tuesday, June 5, that the bid had reached the second phase.
He said although confidence was high that the bid would be successful, there is a period where there is no funding. Mr Danby said: “The Prince’s Trust has been very understanding and they have given us a grant to fill the gap and it will tide us over.”
If successful, the Lottery funding should ensure the future of the charity for another four years.
He added that he along with charity trustees and project manager Diane Spark would, during the coming year, make reducing costs and bringing in more sustainable forms of income a priority.
The charity had generated £26,500 of income during the past year, he said.
A further £5,275 was raised by the Friends of Utass – the most since the group had formed.
Mr Danby said: “That goes up year on year.”
Utass chairman Richard Matthews in his report said: “As we wait to hear whether our application to The Big Lottery has been successful, we are, as always, very grateful to our funders large and small.
“As usual in 2017 our funds have come from numerous sources and, in the case of the grants we receive, are due in no small part ot the tireless work of Utass staff members who apply for them.”
Recognition was given to the many volunteers who have supported the charity over the year.
Ms Spark said this amounted more than £1million in volunteer man-hours.
She added: “Going over the one million mark is truly amazing.
“Volunteers are our biggest asset. On average we have about 30 people who help each year.”
Among the work done by volunteers, she said, was preparing food, baking, manning stalls and preparing venues.
She added that many farmers had loaned equipment, such as tractors and quad bikes, to ensure training sessions were successful.
