Weybourne Community Fund
The original ‘spark’ for the WCF was when a group of villagers got together in the May of 1995 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) day by raising money for the purchase of a full set of chairs for the Village Hall. This was followed in the August of 1995 by a fund raiser for the Far East Prisoners of War (FEPO) and Burma Star charities. Having enj
oyed these rewarding experiences, the group decided to form the Weybourne Community Fund, with the intention of raising money for good causes within the village. George Weston was elected as Chairman, other posts were assigned to various volunteers and a Committee was formed. Numerous fund raising events were organised and profits were donated to many village groups and organisations. The August Bank Holiday ‘Fun Day’ event quickly became the major fund raiser and continues to this day. Originally held on the field behind the Ship Inn, on the Holt Road, the event outgrew the space available, so, in 2006, the WCF acquired the use of what we now know as the Community Field or Allotment Field. Building on Fun Day success, a second major event was planned and organised for the Whitsun Bank Holiday of 2008. In its 4th year now, the North Norfolk Country Fair which attracted over 3,000 visitors each year. The last country fair was held in 2019, then in 2020 Covid 19 changed everything. The current committee, although now much smaller, are still willing but growing age and accompanying ailments makes us unable to put on large events at the moment. Over the years, many different fund raising events have been organised including horse race nights, quizzes, auctions, raffles, etc. Beneficiaries of WCF donations include the bowls club, table tennis club, Methodist Church, All Saints Church, Village Hall, Harry Dawson Playing Field, History Group, Horticultural Society, Good Companions, etc. WCF also underwrote all costs associated with the purchase and running of a village mini-bus for several years, but, alas, lack of use led to its demise. Village events funded by WCF include a Christmas party and gifts for village children, a Christmas lunch for the slightly older generation, an Easter egg hunt for the kids and a picnic and B-B-Q party for everyone. In order to continue to operate the Community Field we will be holding regular car boots and quiz nights, and hope to reinstate the two Christmas events in 2022. We are fully registered (No 1084183) with the Charities Commission and our stated purpose is :
“To promote any charitable purpose for the inhabitants of Weybourne, North Norfolk”
In essence, this means that we raise funds to benefit those who live in and visit the village. this is achieved by paying for (partly or wholly) local projects and making donations to local groups and organisations, with the emphasis on local. We do not give to individuals, we are not allowed to give to other registered charities and we are bound to ensure that all monies stay within the parish of Weybourne.
