Burnham-On-Sea’s BARB Search & Rescue has received a £3,000 financial boost from Lloyds Bank.
The charity – which runs two hovercrafts and an inshore rescue boat that has been heavily used in recent weeks during flood relief work across Somerset – was nominated by Lloyds Bank’s staff in Burnham to receive a Lloyds Bank Community Fund Award.
BARB was one of the two local good causes with the most votes following a public vote and has received £3,000 from the bank towards the cost of new equipment with the support of Burnham’s Mayor Martin Cox.
BARB Operations Manager Mike Lowe said: “We are hugely grateful to all those who voted for BARB, enabling us to secure this fantastic donation. We also thank the team at Lloyds Bank for their kind backing.”
The Lloyds Bank Community Fund helps local people to have a positive impact at the heart of their communities by giving grants to local good causes. The four community groups from Sedgemoor to receive an award were 1st Bridgwater St Georges Wembdon Scout Group (£3000), BARB Search and Rescue (£3000), Ups and Downs Southwest (£300) and Wedmore Playing Fields Management Committee (£300).
Graham Lindsay, Group Director, Responsible Business at Lloyds Banking Group, said: “Lloyds Bank scaled up the Community Fund considerably in 2013 and in return we had an incredible response from the public, which resonated right across the country. We know that receiving a promotional boost and public support is as important as the financial investment and can have a sustained impact on groups’ engagement with their local community over time. Congratulations to every community group that took part.”
Lloyds Bank has committed to continue the Community Fund in 2014 as a result of the overwhelming response and engagement from communities and colleagues during 2013. Further details will be announced later in the year.
Pictured: Mayor Martin Cox with BARB’s Graham Hallsworth, Roger Burgess and Martin Whitfield and the Lloyds Bank team
