LOCAL organisations are celebrating this month after receiving a boost from the Stansted Airport Community Fund (SACF).

The fund has just awarded nearly £30,000 to 13 projects across Essex and Hertfordshire that are making a real difference in the local community.

One of the beneficiaries was St Mary Magdalene Church in Potter Street, Harlow.

A grant enable date to get a new floor for the church hall.

The SACF offers grants of up to £5,000 to projects aimed at improving community life, the environment and conservation within a 10-mile radius of the airport.

The independent committee representing local authorities and airport stakeholders meets quarterly to discuss applicants and decide how the funds will be distributed.

So far this year the fund has donated more than £182,000 to charities and community groups in the surrounding area.

Vice-chair of the SACF, Dan Turpin, said: “We are thrilled to be able to support these 13 incredible organisations that are doing such important work in our local community. 

“It’s great to see the positive impact that the fund is having on the local community. 

“As a responsible neighbour, we are committed to supporting the local community in which we operate, and we look forward to continuing to make a difference in the years to come.”

Among the organisations receiving grants this quarter are:

• St Johns Arts and Recreation Association, Harlow – £2,500 towards a new boiler.
• Debden Parish Council – £400 to restore signage.
• Great Hallingbury History Society – £880 for a scanner.
• Reach Group Community Projects, Dunmow – £1,400 for boxing equipment to run sessions in schools. 
• 309 (Sawbridgeworth) RAFAC – £3,500 towards a flight simulator.
• St Clare Hospice, Harlow – £2,500 towards cooling blankets.
• 2317 Harlow Air Cadets – £1,000 towards band equipment.
• Citizens Advice East Herts – £3,375 towards laptops.
• Stebbing Village Stores – £2,340 towards a freezer.
• Wareside Entertainers – £4,000 towards modular risers.
• Country Trust – £1,232 towards gardening equipment for children.
• Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Trust – £2,500 to i-STAT Alinity blood analyser.
• Stansted Mountfitchet Windmill Trustees – £5,000 infrastructure repairs to Windmill

One of the organisations receiving a grant is 309 (Sawbridgeworth) Squadron Air Cadets, which provides activities for young people to develop important life skills.

Flight Lieutenant Jaden Barber from 309 (Sawbridgeworth) RAFAC, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Stansted Airport’s Community Fund for this generous grant. 

“Their support enables us to deliver high-quality training to our cadets. 

“The two flight simulator PCs, combined with an interactive TV, bring our squadron up to date with modern advancements, allowing us to provide top-tier instruction. 

“Cadets will now have access to the latest Blue and Bronze Wings training syllabus, enhanced by Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024.”