Kemble Solar Farm, on the edge of our Parish in Gloucestershire, is part of the UK’s transition towards renewable energy. Developed by Aura Power, the solar farm began generating electricity in February 2026. Alongside producing low-carbon energy, the project offers an opportunity to deliver lasting benefits to nearby communities through community funding.

The fund will provide £6,000 each year for Crudwell parish, forming 30% of the total £20,000 annual fund. Applications are now open, with a closing date of 20 January 2027 and grant decisions expected by the end of April 2027.

A Crudwell Advisory Panel has been formed to agree the allocation of the fund to the bids most likely to add benefit to our community. The panel includes representatives from the Parish Council, the Village Hall committee, the Primary School and the Parish Church.

What can be funded?
Examples of projects that could be considered for grants include:

• Community buildings & facilities -Improvements to village halls, community centres, schools and other community facilities, including energyefficiency measures.
• Community activities & services – Projects supporting health and
  wellbeing, reducing isolation, bringing communities together and providing activities for people of all ages.
• Environment & public open spaces – Parks, nature reserves, community
  growing, conservation, woodland, pathways and other improvements to
  local green spaces.
• Sport, recreation & play – Playgrounds, skate parks, sports facilities, equipment and improvements to playing fields.

Who can apply?

• Voluntary & community groups
• Local charities
• Parish Councils
• Schools and educational
  establishments (for projects above
  LEA responsibility)
• Social enterprises and Community
  Interest Companies operating on a
  non-profit-distributing basis.

Closing date: 20 January 2027
Decisions by: End of April 2027

Contact and further questions – visit GrantScape

Following a recent Government announcement Wiltshire Council are reminding residents to check if they’re eligible for this year’s Warm Home Discount.  Eligible people could receive a £150 Warm Home Discount on their electricity bills this winter.

The Government is reminding eligible residents to make sure they are named on their electricity account by 23 August 2026 to receive the discount automatically.

Around six million households are expected to benefit from the scheme across Great Britain. Eligibility includes households receiving certain means-tested benefits, such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Housing Benefit and income-related employment and support allowance.

If you have recently moved home or use a pre-payment meter, check that your energy account is registered in your name before the deadline.

Find out more about the scheme and eligibility.

The survey aims to gather real-world experiences of mobile coverage from residents and businesses, helping to build a clearer picture of areas affected by poor signal, dropped calls and unreliable mobile data services, more can be learnt here: Digital Wiltshire – Wiltshire Council

Every response is helping to improve Wiltshire Council’s understanding of local connectivity challenges and support future engagement with mobile network operators and other stakeholders. Please scan the QR code or use the link to access the survey

Please join us for the Annual Parish Meeting on Saturday 23rd May at 11.30am in Crudwell Village Hall.

Reports and presentations from the main village organisations:

• Crudwell Parish Council
• Crudwell Neighbourhood Plan update
• Crudwell Village Hall
• Crudwell Primary School
• All Saints Church, Crudwell
• Lord Lucas Trust & Poors Charity
• Crudwell FLAG
• Crudwell Strawberry Fayre
• Wiltshire Council (Cllr. Chuck Berry)
• Aura Solar Farm Community Fund Launch (£6k p.a. for Crudwell)

All welcome – please do come along!