Derwenthaugh Boat Station is celebrating the news that it has received a funding award of £18,250 from SITA Trust for its building refurbishment project.
The boat station, based at Derwenthaugh on the River Tyne near to Newcastle, is a charity which trains young people in boating activities with the intention of giving them enduring life skills, to either overcome a disadvantaged background or to achieve full use of their talents.
The funding from SITA is being used to upgrade the boat station’s male and female changing facilities which will include a separate area for drying room for users’ equipment and clothing.
Alfie Simpson, the Boat Station’s Principal said of the funding award: ‘‘We are deeply grateful to SITA Trust for this fantastic contribution. Going forward, we will be able to cater for an increased number of users and provide up-to-date and flexible onshore training facilities for voluntary groups interested in boating activities.’’
Marianne Ivin of SITA Trust added: ‘This is a fantastic project that we are very happy to be part of. The funds will help to make sure that the facilities on offer at the Boat station are open to as many people as possible. SITA Trust provides grants through the Landfill Communities Fund. This important source of funding has been available since 1997 and has provided such worthy projects with more than £1.4 billion.’’