Latest news

From turbines to trophies: how Dogger Bank is supporting the local community

10th July 2024 in Community News

Dogger Bank Wind Farm has continued to show its dedication to the North and North-East of England by granting additional funds from its operator fund. In the latest round of awards, 40 local community groups have received support from the fund.

Investing in local communities, the Dogger Bank operator fund grants support projects that enhance residents’ quality of life, create vibrant and sustainable communities, and foster a strong community spirit.

In South Tyneside, South Shields Under 10s Girls Football Team has received an operator fund grant to purchase team kit for the winter months.

Michael Johnston, coach at South Shields Under 10s Girls Football Team, said:

“The operator fund grant is fantastic news for our team. This funding will allow us to provide our players with essential winter kit, allowing us to train throughout the colder months. We are grateful to the Dogger Bank Wind Farm for their commitment and for recognising the importance of providing young athletes with the necessary resources to thrive.”

In Redcar and Cleveland, Blam Blam Fever Promotions C.I.C, has received a grant to support their ska and reggae music festival. Meanwhile, Darkside Diving Redcar has used the grant to purchase a new diving compressor.

In East Riding of Yorkshire, Driffield Town Cricket Club has been awarded funding to install Wi-Fi in their two cricket pavilions. Meanwhile, Kilham Playing Field Association has also benefited from the fund, receiving a grant for a new lawnmower, ensuring their tennis courts stays in top condition for the community to enjoy.

Kilham Playing Field

In June 2024, Dogger Bank Wind Farm announced the next phase of its community fund, committing £25 million to be used in the North and North East of England throughout the operational phase of the wind farm.

The next phase of the community fund will continue to be used to enhance science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) education for young people, equipping them with the skills to succeed in a net zero world.

The new community fund builds on the £1 million community fund set up during the construction phase of Dogger Bank, which has already supported more than 36,000 young people across 204 schools, provided 62 university scholarships, and provided 87 grants to local community groups.

The funding decisions are made by a panel with representatives from wind farm joint venture partners Equinor and SSE Renewables, as well as independent participant Caroline Lofthouse from NOF. NOF is a not-for-profit business development organisation helping to make connections between national businesses and the energy sector.

Further information about the community fund and information on how to apply for grants and scholarships can be found here: www.doggerbank.com/about/community/

See who benefitted in the latest round of Dogger Bank operator fund grants:

East Riding of Yorkshire:

Driffield Town Cricket Club – Wi-Fi for 2 cricket pavilions

Mires Beck Nursery – defibrillator

Mount Pleasant CE Junior School – play equipment for 7-11 year olds

Talking About Loss – men’s mental health group

Tickton & Routh Parish Council – accessible play equipment

Withernsea Tennis Association – creating 3 all weather tennis courts

University of Hull, educational support for young people

Rowley Parish Council – replacing zebra springer toy in playground

Friends of Burton Constable – events in local community

Other Lives Productions – theatre production for remote village halls

The East Riding Concert Orchestra – professional level concerts in local area

Friends of Hull General Cemetery – improving database to access historical data

The People – photography exhibition

Vixen Broadcasting Ltd – equipment for community radio

Hornsea Language College – in house plastic recycling machine

Friends of Walkington School – improving kitchen

Beverley in Bloom – planting borders in town

North Holderness Museum of Village Life – tables to allow better use of space

Kilham Playing Field Association – lawnmower

Beeford Bowling Club – new equipment

Beeford Lawn Tennis – tennis balls and lawn maintenance

Young Playwrights – online project and digital access for home-schooled children

Walkington Bowling Club – repair to store

Humber Stem Festival – STEM festival

Roos School – recycling bins

Redcar and Cleveland:

Blam Blam Fever Promotions C.I.C – marquee music festival

Marske Bowling Club – roller for mower

Darkside Diving Redcar – compressor

South Tyneside:

South Shields Cricket Club – coach for additional sessions for young girls

South Shields & Westoe RFC Juniors – costs of coaching and first aid courses to meet standards

Diverse Friends – events across year for disabled people

South Tyneside FC – kit for football club

South Shields FC Foundation – sphero bolts for stem club coding

Whitburn Library – upgrade heating system to reduce bills

South Shields Under 10s girls football team – winter football kit

Hoodex CIC – boxing ring

Bright Futures NE – extension to summer programme

Money Advice South Tyneside – support provision of money advice service

Churches Together South Tyneside – promotion and volunteer retention & training

Boldon Festival Association – finale of festival