A grassroots cricket club, a village hall, and a café supporting older residents to tackle loneliness are among the groups set to benefit from the latest round of Community Chest grants from South Cambridgeshire District Council.
The Council’s Community Chest fund has given more than £632,000 in grants in the last decade to support a wide range of local projects that improve life for people living in the district.
In the first round of Community Chest funding for 2026 the following groups have received grants.
Little Shelford Cricket Club has been awarded £1,440 to purchase two new sight screens. The screens are essential as the club competes in the Senior League and hosts Cambridgeshire County junior cricket matches. Improved facilities will support player development at all levels and ensure the club continues to host high‑quality fixtures on the well‑regarded Wale recreation ground. Founded in 1877 the club is home to 90 members across junior and adult teams. The project, costing £2,880, is being match‑funded by the Little Shelford Sports and Recreation Trust up to £1,500.
Fen Drayton Village Hall has been awarded £1,936 to replace old and worn curtains in its main hall. The refurbishment is part of a wider volunteer‑led improvement project including repainting and floor restoration. New curtains - complete with blackout, flame‑retardant lining - will improve both the hall’s appearance and energy efficiency. The hall is a vital space used by residents, community groups and organisations across several nearby villages and provides space for exercise classes, children’s groups, weddings, music events, community cafés, and village festivals, making the upgrade a significant benefit to local people.
Papworth Team Ministry has secured £618 to establish the Kaleidoscope Café, a monthly community café designed to reduce loneliness and isolation among older people in Papworth Everard and surrounding villages. The café will offer a welcoming social space with refreshments, conversation, music, talks, and accessible activities. Resources purchased through the grant will include dementia‑friendly puzzles, reusable tableware, accessible games, craft tools, signage and display materials. All sessions will be free, volunteer‑run, and held at Papworth Village Hall, with transport support offered for those who need it. The Parish Council has also provided £250 in match funding.
Cllr Brian Milnes, Deputy Leader of South Cambridgeshire District Council, said: “These grants show how the power of community funding can make a big difference. Whether it’s helping a historic cricket club improve its facilities, supporting a village hall at the heart of community life, or creating new spaces for older residents to connect, the Community Chest continues to strengthen local networks and improve wellbeing across our villages. We’re proud to support projects driven by volunteers, passion, and community spirit.”
The Community Chest programme has been running since 2011 and provides small grants to local groups and organisations delivering projects that further improve quality of life in South Cambridgeshire.
Find out more Community Chest Grants - South Cambs District Council
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