Sporting project is off and running

Jun 26 2009 by Kaiya Marjoribanks, Stirling Observer Friday

STIRLING MSP Bruce Crawford has helped kick off an ambitious £10,000 sponsorship project aimed at raising funds to restore Kippen’s sports field and pavilion.

Mr Crawford had made a promise at last year’s Kippen Street Fayre to return this year to help launch the campaign, which will raise funds towards ensuring the field and pavilion can be used again by local primary school children, teenagers and the wider community.

For sponsorship purposes the sports field has been divided into quarters, each containing 450 units of turf.

Each unit will be “sold” at £5, raising £2250 per quarter. With all units in a quarter sold there will be a prize draw for sponsors. The winner will receive £100 and runners-up two prizes of £50 and two of £25.

Kippen Sports Development Group spokesperson Tom Connelly said: “Bruce said he was delighted to have launched the turf sponsorship campaign and, with a twinkle in his eye, suggested such guaranteed winnings were well beyond that paid out by the bookies!

“On completion of all 1800 units of turf being sold, a net sum of £8000 will have been raised.

“In addition, the KSDG is hoping to get back £2000 (25 per cent) in Gift Aid tax relief if its application for charity status is successful.

“With £5000 already in the bank we would then have a total of £15,000 raised locally to clearly indicate to grant awarding bodies the overwhelming support there is in the village for the sports field project.

“To get the additional funding from these charitable bodies for what is likely to be a £100,000 project, evidence of local commitment is absolutely necessary.

“The sports development group is also grateful to the Kippen Initiative who have committed to purchasing 40 units of turf.”

On presenting the cheque for £200 local garage owner and Kippen Initiative treasurer Duncan McKinnon, said the project to develop a sports field should be regarded as a village priority and that all village organisations should strive to make a donation to the turf sponsorship campaign.

Local delicatessen Berits and Brown have donated a book which will record the names of individuals, groups and companies who have given support.