Huntingdonshire District Council (HDC) is continuing its commitment to support local communities through its Community Chest grants programme.
Designed to empower community-led initiatives, the scheme has already awarded funding to numerous groups across the district, with more grants still available. One of the recent recipients is the St Neots Whist Club, awarded £1,000 to continue providing a welcoming space for social connection and mental wellbeing through the traditional card game of whist.
The Community Chest offers grants ranging from £1,000 to £3,000 for local organisations whose projects support the Council’s core priorities, such as promoting physical activity, strengthening social connections, and lowering carbon emissions.
Executive Councillor for Climate, Transformation and Workforce, Cllr Lara Davenport-Ray, visited the club and shared her experience: "Playing cards is much more than a game. It's a great way to bring people together and keep brains nimble. The Whist Club's format, revolving partners and speaking with new people throughout the evening, creates a lively and friendly atmosphere. All the players were clearly having fun. Their joy was contagious, and it was a pleasure to join in. As well as players from St Neots, it was lovely to meet residents who had travelled in from Southoe, Buckden and other villages.
Supporting community groups like this is essential to our vision for a healthier, more connected Huntingdonshire. These small, grassroots organisations are the backbone of our towns and villages, and the Community Chest allows us to invest directly in the wellbeing of our residents.”
Alan Marnes of St Neots Whist Club added: "Playing whist is a Huntingdonshire tradition. My parents used to play whist four nights a week with local clubs, but now St Neots has the only club in the area."
The club recently welcomed Cllr Davenport-Ray to join in a game of progressive whist, a format that promotes intergenerational connection without reliance on modern technology. With support from the Community Chest, the group now hopes to inspire nearby communities to start their own whist drives, helping to preserve and promote this classic pastime.
St Neots Whist Club welcomes newcomers every Monday at 7pm at the Hanover Close Social Room. Anyone interested in joining can reach out to Alan Marnes at southoeam@yahoo.co.uk.
There is no fixed deadline to apply for funding. Applications will be accepted until the full fund is allocated. For more information visit our Grants webpage.