THERE was joy in Earlston and St Boswells recently with news that two local community organisations have each scooped £6,000 from the Royal Bank of Scotland’s community force scheme.
Earlston Scouts on Wheels and St Boswells Village Hall were awarded the cash after enthusiastic voting campaigns by local residents.
It was in July last year that the bank launched its ‘Community Force’, a new initiative to help support local charities, organisations and groups to raise publicity for their work and attract volunteers.
The programme also provided the opportunity for three groups in each of the scheme’s 158 Community Force areas to win awards of £6,000 each.
Earlston Scout Group is fundraising to replace an old and well-used mini-bus, and, with proper transport vital to ensure access to stimulating and engaging activities, the scouts are looking forward to shopping for a new bus this summer.
St Boswells Hall, meanwhile, is a community-owned and community-run facility in the centre of the village.
The hall provides space for a range of activities, including a pensioners soup club, badminton, tai chi, zumba and a monthly music night.
A spokesperson for Earlston Scout Group said winning the money was a massive boost.
“Fundraising is always challenging but with such a worthwhile cause the money will be put to very good use,” said the spokesperson.
A St Boswells Village Hall spokesperson added: “This award provided vital funds to enable us to replace the boiler and heating system and keep the hall open when people most use and need the services it provides.”