Council confirms grant in memory of Matthew Hobbs
A grant to Fleetdown United Football Club in memory of schoolboy Matthew Hobbs, heads a number of community cash allocations announced by Dartford Council Leader Jeremy Kite today.
Jeremy confirmed at the budget meeting on Monday 25 February that the Council would grant £2000 to Fleetdown United in memory of 11 year old Matthew who died in an accident on his way to school in January. Matthew was a keen footballer and had played in goal for Fleetdown just days before he lost his life.
Councillor Kite said:
“I know that Fleetdown United have a very successful youth set up because the fantastic people who run the club showed me around last year. They help hundreds of young people just like Matthew and use football as a way to turn good kids into better ones. I attended Matthew’s funeral and it was obvious he adored his weekends at football and when I met his father on the terraces at Princes Park I sought his permission to help the Club in his son’s memory. I’m sure they will put the cash to great use.”
The grant to the football club is one in a series offered to local community, sport and voluntary groups that support positive activities across the borough.
The SKIP (Sutton Kids in Play) community project will receive £4,500 as a contribution to its fund to build a new children’s playground in Sutton at Hone.
Dartford and Gravesham Women’s Aid will receive £1,100 towards new office technology.
The Wilmington Bus Scheme will receive a £1000 contribution towards the running costs of a residents’ bus to give access to the new health centre.
Stone residents will benefit from a £1500 grant towards a landscaping scheme in the village.
The Council will continue to support the Citizens Advice Bureau, Groundwork Kent Thameside, Dartford Symphony Orchestra and North West Kent Countryside Partnership with £165,930 of recurring grants, £22,620 is available in small grants and offer £9000 per year in Arts, Sports and Heritage grants.
