St Andrews, Scotland: Six community projects in Sandwich have been successful in securing funding from the Green Initiatives Grant Programme, which forms part of The Open Legacy Fund provided by The R&A.

The Green Initiatives Grant Programme was launched by The R&A, Dover District Council, Kent County Council and Sandwich Town Council to enable community groups and organisations in Sandwich to apply for funding to support initiatives that offer social, environmental and health and well-being benefits for the town and its residents.

A total of £52,500 was made available in funding, which included £25,000 each from The R&A and Dover District Council and £2,500 from Sandwich Town Council.

The six organisations selected to receive funding for community projects are Age Concern Sandwich Centre for the Retired, White Mill Rural Heritage Centre, Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory Trust, St Clement’s PCC, Sir Roger Manwood’s School and East Kent Mencap.

Johnnie Cole-Hamilton, Executive Director – Championships at The R&A, said: “The Open’s return to Royal St George’s this year was a real success and we are grateful for the support provided by the local community in the lead up to and during the Championship.

“The Open Legacy Fund is our way of ensuring that the town and its residents benefit from the staging of the Championship, and we leave a lasting legacy for many years to come. We look forward to seeing the progress made by the projects which have been successful in applying to the Green Initiatives Grant Programme and hearing about the positive social and environmental benefits that they will provide.”

Councillor Trevor Bartlett, Leader of Dover District Council, said: “We enjoyed a spectacular week with the return of The Open to Royal St George’s this summer.  Not only were we treated to world class golf, but we also got to learn more about The R&A’s commitment to sustainability, from protecting our coastal environments to cutting carbon emissions.

“I am particularly pleased that community groups in Sandwich are benefitting from The Open Legacy Fund with an exciting range of projects to build a cleaner, greener and healthier future.”

Councillor Paul Graeme, The Right Worshipful the Mayor of Sandwich, said: “Sandwich Town Council was delighted to work in collaboration with all partners involved with the organisation of the successful 149th Open. We are delighted that these organisations will benefit from this legacy fund and in turn so will our residents and visitors alike.”

As well as funding provided for the Green Initiatives Grant Programme, The R&A also invested £75,000 to support the redevelopment of the Guildhall Market Square alongside additional investment from Dover District Council, Sandwich Town Council, Prince’s Golf Club and Discovery Park.

The redevelopment project aims to transform the town’s market square for residents and visitors and will include resurfacing of the current square along with the installation of new features such as improved seating, lighting and a water fountain.