Our Greater Together Coronation Fund facilitated over 60 coronation-themed events across our communities and neighbourhoods to mark King Charles III’s Coronation Weekend. This funding was kindly provided by contractors Fortem Solutions, JSB Construction AB, M&R and Emanuel Whittaker through social value.
Applications to receive this funding came from community organisations, our Independence and Wellbeing Schemes as well as some of our customers. Successful applicants received £250 each, going towards events such as afternoon tea parties, a customer street party, a community diner and a family fun day.
The weekend of celebration went down really well, and here are just some of the events that customers and members of the public alike enjoyed…
One successful applicant to the funding was the Saheli Women’s Group Indian Association in Oldham, hosting a Coronation party, which saw a great turnout. Afternoon tea was served up, alongside a dance performance, and the chance to take photographs with King Charles and Queen Camilla cutouts.
Another organisation in Oldham which received our support was the Madhlo Youth Zone, where 196 people came along to enjoy a traditional spot of afternoon tea complete with coronation-themed games. Comments from those who attended included: ‘It’s been really good fun, loads to do and the food was fantastic!’
Over in Bolton, another successful applicant for the fund was Krimmz Girls Youth Club, a community organisation bringing a sense of togetherness as they laid out a coronation-themed lunch. This included games, arts and crafts as well as educational talks, workshops and historical re-enactments.
We also helped fund a street party led by one of our customers in Salford, complete with pies, curries, sandwiches, and cakes!
Around fifty people turned up to enjoy the music, dancing, games and bouncy castle for the children, who enjoyed themselves even more when the ice cream van arrived!
We also funded Chadderton Together’s afternoon Coronation tea dance, which took place at the beautiful Chadderton Town Hall. Chadderton Together support other local community groups, and this volunteer-run coronation event went down brilliantly, with easy-listening dance music, dance tuition, a traditional lunch of hot pies and pies and afternoon tea and cake!
Commenting on the week-long programme of events, Rosie Longden, our Head of Community Investment said:
“We’re delighted to have been able to spread some cheer with our customers around the Coronation thanks to the kind support of our partners. Social purpose is at the heart of Great Places and these events have been a great opportunity for people in our communities to come together and have some fun around this historic event, as well as sharing their pictures and experiences.”
It’s been a great long weekend, and we hope everyone involved in an event enjoyed themselves.
