Bermondsey Square Community Fund awards £11,000 to local projects

Earlier this year the owners of Bermondsey Square invited applications from local organisations for the first round of grants. Cash from the fund, provided by Bermondsey Square's businesses and residents, will be awarded three times a year to projects that bring something special to the area.

Last week the first tranche of awards was announced during an event at the Shortwave Cinema.

Among the successful applicants is City Runners, a running club which meets weekly in the square. Their £800 grant will provide running kit, support for members entering races and vouchers for equipment.

The Vitrine Gallery received £2,200 towards its art and music festival taking place in the square on 19 June.

Woolfson & Tay has received a total of £2,500 towards a reading club for local children and the recent Southwark Speaks exhibition.

The Bermondsey Street Festival, to be held on 24 September, has also received a hefty £5,000 grant.

A call for new applications to the Bermondsey Square Community Fund is being made for the next round of grants to be awarded later in the year: details at www.bermondseysquare.co.uk