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Gosport Borough Council
Councillors: 27
Wards: 14
Committees: 10
Meetings (2026): 59
Meetings (2025): 50

Meeting

Grants Sub-Board - Gosport

Meeting Times
Scheduled Time
Start:
Thursday, 5th March 2026
6:00 PM
End:
Thursday, 5th March 2026
10:00 PM
Meeting Status
Status:
Confirmed
Date:
05 Mar 2026
Location:
Council Chamber
Meeting Attendees
Committee Member
Councillor Kirsty Cox

Present, as expected

Councillor Stephen Philpott photo
Committee Member
Councillor Stephen Philpott

Conservative

Present, as expected

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Councillor Lesley Meenaghan photo
Committee Member
Councillor Lesley Meenaghan

Conservative

Present, as expected

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Councillor Peter Chegwyn photo
Chairman
Councillor Peter Chegwyn

Liberal Democrat

Present, as expected

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Committee Member
Councillor Mrs June Cully

Present, as expected

Committee Member
Councillor Jamie Hutchison

Present, as expected

Agenda
0 Late report Community Grant Fund Budgets
Minutes Consideration was given to a report byu the Head of Corporate Policy and Community Safety providing the Grants Sub Board with an update on the Community Grant Fund Budgets in light of the Council’s budget setting process on 4 March 2026.

RESOLVED: That the Sub Board noted the budget information provided.
1 Apologies
Minutes There were none
2 Declarations of Interest
Minutes Councillor Chegwyn declared a personal interest in the Sunset Festival and would not take part in the discussions.

Councillors Chegwyn, Philpott and Meenaghan declared a non pecuniary interest as HCC Councillors as grants may have been given previously to applicants.

Councillor Cully declared a personal interest in the Marine Festival due to her involvement in the Bastion.
3 Minutes of previous meeting held on 4 December 2025
Attachments:
Minutes RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting held on 4 December 2025 were signed as a true and correct record.
4 Deputations
(NOTE: The Board is required to receive a deputation(s) on a matter which is before the meeting of the Board provided that notice of the intended deputation and its object shall have been received by the Borough Solicitor by 12 noon on 3 March 2026. The total time for deputations in favour and against a proposal shall not exceed 10 minutes).
Minutes There were no deputations but representatives had asked to speak on their applications.
5 Public Questions
(NOTE: The Board is required to allow a total of 15 minutes for questions from Members of the public on matters within the terms of reference of the Board provided that notice of such Question(s) shall have been submitted to the Borough Solicitor by 12 noon on 3 March 2026).
Minutes There were none
6 Community Grant Fund Applications
To provide the Sub Board with Community Fund grant applications in order that members can determine grant awards.
Attachments:
Minutes Consideration was given to a report by the Head of Corporate Policy and Community Safety (HCPCS) providing the Sub Board with Community Fund grant applications in order that members can determine grant awards.

In answer to a Member’s question the HCPCS agreed to show previous grant awards by date rather than round number.

1. Insync

The applicant advised Members that they were currently delivering this programme in East Hants, which Gosport residents struggled to access due to distance and lack of transport. They currently had 19 referrals for Gosport families who would be consulted to identify a suitable location. It was hoped that the scheme could start after Easter, and over time and with the support of volunteers and lottery funding the families could take ownership of the scheme to sustain and grow in other locations.

In answer to a Member’s question, the applicant advised that the scheme had been running for 5 years and that access was open to all and families could self refer.

Members agreed to award £1,500

2. Hub4Stuff

The applicant advised that over the past year the organization had distributed 934 items to families and individuals in need. The grant would be used to pay for servicing of white goods so that every item distributed was safe and in working order.

Members were all aware of the work and commitment from the volunteers and the joy given to people at a difficult time in their lives.

Members agreed to award £2,000

3. GADSAD

The applicant advised that the grant was need to be able to offer transport to the members to not only attend the weekly social sessions but for away games at other clubs. Members subscriptions and the tuck shop helped to pay for the building costs.

Members were glad to hear that the minibus was kept in a safe location and fully serviced.

The applicant offered an invitation to all the Sub Board members to attend a games night.

Members agreed to award £2,250

4. Media Space at Carpenters Yard

The applicant explained that he was creating a multi-purpose space for digital creators, offering skills instruction and workshops, encouraging young people who are not in work or education to become content creators.

The grant would be used to produce a series of up to 10 interviews showcasing local notable members of the community and business.

In answer to a Member’s question the applicant explained that he had in thepast successfully created collaborations between local community groups and young people, and would liaise again with organisations such as Level up, and accept referrals from the Job Centre. A workshop along the lines of “Youtuber in a day” would be offered to inspire those not engaging with education.

Members agreed to award £2,700

5. Rose & Thistle Pipe & Drums

The applicant advised that the current drums being used by the band were second hand when purchased 15 years ago and are now becoming difficult and in some cases dangerous to use. Modern drums were lighter with better straps, easier to maneuver.

Members were advised that the band had been successful in recruiting new members but had no instruments to give them, and were therefore training young people who could not march.

In answer to a Member’s question, the applicant explained that although drums do come up on auction sites from time to time, in order to produce a consistent sound and appearance, it would be better to buy new.

Members wished to thank the band members for the pleasure they bring to local events and look forward to seeing them at more in the future.

Members agreed to award £4,939

6. Rowner Infant School

There was no representative of the application able to attend. Members were keen to support the programme but had questions they wished to put to seek clarity on a number of issues.

Members agreed to award £1,350 on receipt of answers to Members questions.

7. The Disability Union

There was no representative of the application present so Members agreed to defer the application to the next meeting.

Members agreed to defer the application to the next round

8. The Temple of Venus

The applicant explained that the temple provides a safe space for women and girls some of whom will have experienced some level of violence or assault. The ethos of the scheme is to provide the opportunity for women and girls to explore their creativity through art, dance, music and craft, and to benefit from the support and companionship of others outside the family.

Members were advised that the grant would help to pay for monthly themed creative sessions and a summer show.

In answer to a Member’s question, the applicant explained how important social media is to the success of the project and the photographer & videographer is vital to getting the message out. The art exhibition had been sponsored by Port & Lemon, and further collaborations would be explored including Guides and Scouts.

A Member suggested the applicant applies for an events grant later in the year.

Members agreed to award £3,000

9. Gosport Wooly Warriors

Members were advised that the group wished to build on last year’s displays with a year round programme reflecting the seasons and occasions such as Halloween. This would include more at Christmas with the tree in the High Street, and a Remembrance Poppy display.

The applicant explained that there would be workshops run in Yourspace and it was hoped to produce a Heritage Trail of displays in shop windows showing what the buildings used to look like.

In answer to a Member’s question, the applicant said that they currently had a core group of 10 with another 10 who drop in and out. The group members were available to teach and develop skills.

Members agreed to award £2,000

10. Thirteeneight

Members were advised that following a housing visit to St. John’s Square it was suggested that a piece of street art on the walls would brighten what was a very dirty area. The project would work with residents of the blocks to find out what they would like to see, and would incorporate their ideas. Although the work would be carried out by a professional artist, children and their families could sit on the green and join in some doodling.

Members agreed that the other street art projects currently underway in the Borough brightened up areas and helped residents take pride and ownership in their surroundings, which in turn reduces crime.

The applicant recognised that resident input, involvement and approval was essential for the success of the project and agreed to liaise with the Chairman of the Housing Board and Head of Housing as a condition of the grant.

Members agreed to award £3,600

11. Second Chance Fox Rescue

There was no representative of the application present so members agreed to make a small award and invite the applicant to resubmit for the next meeting.

Members agreed to award £1,000

12. National Coastwatch Institution.

The applicant advised that with Stokes Bay being such a busy area foir water sports it was essential that they had good visual coverage in that area. Previously installed CCTV was proving to be valuable.

In answer to a Member’s question the applicant advised that all staff and volunteers are trained in the use and security of the footage, and signage would be in place to make it clear that live monitoring was taking place.

Members agreed to award £2,277

RESOLVED: That the Sub Board:

Considered the applications in the report and agreed:

1. A grant of £1,500 to be paid to Insync

2. A grant of £2,000 to be paid to Hub4Stuff

3. A grant of £2,250 to be paid to GADSAD

4. A grant of £2,700 to be paid to Media Space at Carpenters Yard

5. A grant of £4,939 to be paid to Rose & Thistle Pipe & Drums

6. A grant of £1,350 to be paid to Rowner Infant School on receipt of answers to Members questions

7. The application from The Disability Union to be deferred

8. A grant of £3,000 to be paid to The Temple of Venus

9. A grant of £2,000 to be paid to Wooly Warriors

10. A grant of £3,600 to be paid to Thirteeneight on condition of consultation with Housing Chair and Head of Housing

11. A grant of £1,000 to be paid to Second Chance Fox Rescue

12. A grant of £2,277 to be paid to National Coastwatch Institution
7 Community Event Grant Fund Applications
To provide the Sub Board with Community Event Fund grant applications in order that members can determine grant awards.
Attachments:
Minutes Consideration was given to a report by the Head of Corporate Policy and Community Safety providing the Sub Board with Community Event grant applications in order that members can determine grant awards.

1. Portsmouth Harbour Marine CIC

2. Montserrat Events CIC

The applicant from Portsmouth Harbour Marine advised that they would use the grant to support the essential infrastructure including land hire, insurance, first aid, bin hire etc. Some sponsorship had been secured and the event would remain free for the public. The organization had begun with SAG documents submitted and the event plan due the next week.

Members were advised that the water based events would finish at 4pm with the music element continuing until 9pm, which includes local and school bands.

In answer to a Member’s question, the applicant from Montserrat Events explained that the marine activities would stand alone from the Shanty Festival but the two events complement each other. Last year the Shanty singing had attracted an extra 2,000 visitors. This year there would be up to 30 singing groups and be spread over a larger area. There was a benefit to the Marine Festival with a percentage of the concession income given by the Shanty Festival.

Members agreed that the two festivals together would provide an excellent day out and introduce more people to water activities

Members agreed to award £6,500 to Portsmouth Harbour Marine

Members agreed to award £3,500 to Montserrat Events

3. Elephant Dreamland Arts Programme

Members were advised that the application had been withdrawn

4. Thirteeneight Urban Arts Festival

The applicant advised that the festival would be a celebration of urban arts, with artists, music, dancing and stalls held in Leesland Park. At the heart of the festival would be an inclusive project to create a piece of art. Although painted by professional artists, children would be encouraged to input ideas and there would be opportunities for them to paint their own artwork in workshops alongside the professionals. There may be an opportunity for the children to paint part of the mural if removable boards are used.

In answer to a Member’s question, several local children’s organisations will be approached to take part such as Y Services, Plan B and those home educated. The artists were also working closely with the Friends of Leesland Park.

Members agreed to award £5,000

5. The Big Eat CIC

Councillor Chegwyn left the room and took no part in the discussion or vote.

The applicant reminded Members that last year there had been three large events on Walpole Park, two of which would not be taking place this year. 2026 marks the 35th Anniversary of the Gosport Festival and this event would commemorate and celebrate the rich history of festivals in Gosport.

Members were advised that there would be some slight changes to the format of this event to allow for poor weather. The Big Top would be on the park, as at the original event. Artists performing in the Big Top in the evenings would be better known and would attract a ticket price.

In answer to a Members question the applicant advised that the bars are outsourced and attract a pitch fee, and that land hire and water charges have always been paid for this event.

Members agreed to award £10,000

6. Rowner Renewal Community Events Association

The applicant advised members of the activity that had taken place since they attended in December. The senior committee of 9 responsible for the organizing of the one day carnival have now all been DBS checked and first aid trained. Photo boards of previous carnivals have been created which will form the basis of an exhibition at the Nimrod Center in April.

Members were shown the Rowner Carnival Passport detailing the workshops to be held at the Youth Centre and Nimrod Centre leading up to the event which children can take part in to receive a passport stamp. They were also shown one of the headdresses, part of a costume for a float. Grange School was to host the event as there was some doubt if GBC land could be used. Officers were asked to make enquiries.

Members were advised that a website was in production, as were banners for the exhibition.

Members expressed how impressed they were with the progress that had been made by the committee.

Members agreed to award £10,000

RESOLVED: That the Sub Board:

Considered the applications in the report and agreed:

1. A grant of £6,500 to be paid to Portsmouth Harbour Marine CIV

2. A grant of £3,500 to be paid to Monserrat Events

3. This application was withdrawn

4. A grant of £5,000 to be paid to Thirteeneight Urban Arts Festival

5. A grant of £10,000 to be paid to The Big Eat CIC

6. A grant of £10,000 to be paid to the Rowner Renewal Community Events Association
8 Heritage Fund Applications
To provide the Sub Board with Heritage Fund grant applications in order that members can determine grant awards.
Attachments:
Minutes Consideration was given to a report by the Head of Corporate Policy and Community Safety providing the Sub Board with Heritage Fund grant application in order that members can determine grant awards.

1. Clarence Tavern

The applicant advised that the building dated from 1850, and they had taken ownership in December 2025. Structural surveys had shown that the gable end was deteriorating, and there were serious issues with the brickwork and rafters. A planning application for an HMO had been submitted and conditions had been applied to maintain the doors and the appearance and character of the tavern including its name and a lantern.

Officers advised that the building had a local listing only and adjacent to two conservation areas however was not on the at risk register.

In answer to a Member’s question the applicant advised that the grant would be used only for the heritage elements of the development and not the HMO and that heritage products would be used in the refurbishment and certain materials would be re-used. The works would not cause harm to the heritage elements of the building.

Members felt that the scheme was not enough of a heritage project to be supported by the grant and the public benefit was not greater than the private gain.

Members agreed not to make an award

2. Gosport Borough Football Club

The applicant advised that the stand dates back to 1937 and has been in continual use since. It currently has no formal listing but could possibly attract a Grade 2 listing. There are very few similar structures most having been redeveloped overtime. The roof is leaking and there is asbestos present, the survey of which had been paid for by the club. Patch repairs have carried out over time. If this work was not carried out the stand would have to close, losing the amenities of the press box and changing rooms.

Members were advised that 3 companies had been asked to quote and the preferred choice was available to carry out the work during the close season.

Members recognized that there had been an increase in attendance and use by community teams and groups.

Officers advised that the grant would have to be paid directly to the chosen contractor and this proviso would be contained in the agreement.

Members agreed to award £45,900

RESOLVED: That the Sub Board:

Considered the applications in the report and agreed:

1. No grant to be awarded to Clarence Tavern

2. A grant of £45,900 to be paid to the contractors of the stand project
9 Any other items
Minutes
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25th Jun 2026

Grants Sub-Board

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5th Mar 2026

Grants Sub-Board

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4th Dec 2025

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25th Sep 2025

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26th Jun 2025

Grants Sub-Board

Meeting

14th Apr 2025

Grants Sub-Board

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6th Mar 2025

Grants Sub-Board

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5th Dec 2024

Grants Sub-Board

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26th Sep 2024

Grants Sub-Board

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27th Jun 2024

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Future Meetings
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