CHRISTMAS came early for community groups across Essex and Hertfordshire, as they unwrap more than £80,000 in grants from the Stansted Airport Community Fund. 

The fund, which supports projects that make a difference in areas around the airport, has awarded £82,945 in its latest round of funding. 

Two major schemes received Flagship Fund grants of £25,000 each. Essex Wildlife Trust will use the money to refurbish a path at Aubrey Buxton Nature Reserve near Stansted Mountfitchet, improving access and protecting local wildlife. 

Sheering Parish Council will be able to replace its leaking roof on its village hall, a building described as “the heart of our rural community.” 

Alongside these, 15 smaller projects shared £33,000 in Community Grants, supporting everything from sports clubs to volunteer groups. 

Among the beneficiaries: 

• Matching Green Cricket Club – £3,800 for new wall heaters and tables 
• Harlow Hospital Radio – £1,896 for audio and broadcasting equipment 
• Saffron Walden Community First Responders – £4,550 for kit bags and a training defibrillator 
• Boomerang’s Pet Foodbank – £2,640 for shelving to store donated animal food 
• Essex Boys and Girls Clubs – £3,000 for technology, craft and sports gear 

Other grants went to village halls, bowls clubs and local sports teams, with awards ranging from £309 to £2,700. 

Maggie Sutton, Chair of the Community Fund, said:

“We’re proud to support such a wide range of projects that make a real difference. From improving village halls to funding vital equipment for emergency responders, these grants help keep our communities thriving.”

Bec Sheppard, Head of Fundraising at the Essex Wildlife Trust, said:

“Thanks to London Stansted Airport Flagship Award. Essex Wildlife Trust is delighted and very much looking forward to delivering this project. Such tremendous news for Aubrey Buxton Nature Reserve, its visitors, and its wildlife.”

Siobhan Perrin, Clerk at Sheering Parish Council, said:

“We are overjoyed to have been awarded funding to repair our dilapidated roof. The village hall is the heart of our rural community, a place where people meet, learn, celebrate and support one another, yet for years we have struggled with tight budgets and endless patch-up repairs just to keep the rain out.

“This generous donation means we can finally make the building fully watertight in the new year and protect the hall’s future. For our community, this isn’t just a repair: it safeguards a vital gathering space that hosts our playschool every day, welcomes local groups throughout the week, and offers warmth, connection and belonging to people of all ages.

“This funding ensures the hall can continue to be a space to be used by the residents, helping our village stay vibrant, resilient and truly connected. It really is the icing on the cake, and we couldn’t be more grateful.”

The Stansted Airport Community Fund operates independently and has supported hundreds of local projects since its launch.