Revellers flock to celebrate Chuckery Festival

Published by kerri smith for whg in Housing and also in Communities

A whg grant was put to good use when more than 500 festival goers enjoyed a day of celebration in Chuckery.

Leading social landlord whg was a major sponsor of the second annual Chuckery Festival, providing £2,500 from its Local Neighbourhood Fund.

Other local businesses also helped to fund the festival which took place in the grounds of Chuckery TMO (Paddock) on Saturday, 30th June.

The day had an Olympic Games theme and revellers were treated to a special appearance from Mary Clarke-Mortiboys, who had earlier carried the torch through Walsall.

Local talent was showcased with young bands including Damp Squid and 17-year-old songstress Samantha Downes taking centre stage, plus sets from the likes of

Snooty Bobs, and Stray Soul Remedy.

Chalkie the Clown’s madcap antics entertained the children while whg colleagues added to the party atmosphere with face painting, goodie bags and balloons Fitness fans were put through their paces by a ‘Cyber Coach’.

Klair Jassal, of whg’s Estate Management Team, said the event had been a huge success: “This year’s Chuckery Festival was a great family fun day and attracted well over 500 people from the local area. Everyone had a really good time and the feeling of community spirit was wonderful.

“whg is pleased to support events like this because it was organised by local people for local people. The festival is not only a great celebration it also helps to bring the community together, giving them a real sense of belonging and pride in where they live.”

Barry Sanders, festival chairman, added: “I would like to thank whg for playing a major role in the success of the festival. Without whg’s continued support, and the support of other local organizations, the event would not be possible. I’d also like to say a big ‘thank you’ to the many volunteers.

“The festival is only in its second year but has already made a name for itself and proved to be very popular. The entertainment was top notch and the smiles on the children’s faces when Olympic torch bearer Mary Clarke-Mortiboys made a guest appearance were priceless. It was a very memorable day and a real celebration of Chuckery, its creativity and unity.”

whg launched the Local Neighbourhood Fund as part of its commitment to invest in local communities. It is managed by local committees and can be used for:

locally based projects that add value in communitiescommunity partnership events and projects with partners (such as Local Area Partnerships, the police and other agencies)projects involving whg customersprojects that support local youth initiativesprojects that will enhance the environment.

For more information on how to apply for funding, call 0300 555 6666 or visit any local whg office.