Boxing day? It’s not just at Christmas for ring fans

A thriving local boxing club that was launched after the pandemic to get youngsters active and socialising again has been given a £3,201 boost by Erewash Borough Council – as membership continues to boom.

The money towards fresh ring canvas and training equipment is from a new town hall fund that in the past six months has seen almost £25,000 go to worthy causes that benefit the community.

Robert Wilson – who is one of the coaches at Ilkeston Community Boxing Club – told of his pride at helping to inspire youngsters while “keeping them off the streets”.

He said in his successful application for what is known as a Member Grant that boxing teaches “discipline and self control”. Robert added: “It is a structured activity that encourages routine and positive habits”.

The club – based in a gym on Critchley Street – is also “a safe place to offer an alternative to anti-social behaviour with mentors who act as positive role models”.

Member Grants were launched to run in tandem with Fast Funding grants – a scheme that has long offered help for community initiatives. The difference is that to qualify for a Member Grant, organisations need their bids to be backed by a councillor. 

Lead Member for Health and Wellbeing Cllr Josy Hare supported the boxing club’s application, which is also helping to pay for new flooring. She said: “Ilkeston Community Boxing Club is open to all regardless of background, gender or ability – and is now officially recognised by England Boxing, which is the sport’s governing body. The club is involved in amateur competitions and is proud to have participants from Long Eaton and across the borough.”  

A video of the amateur fighters training for a contest can be viewed here: Facebook

Another organisation to win a Member Grant also aims to boost “physical activity” while tackling isolation and loneliness. The application was submitted by a much-loved community hub that bills itself as a “warm, happy and safe place for the community”.

Cllr Linda Burns backed £2,772 of funding for Cotmanhay Community Network, whose volunteers run a string of projects from their base in the former Bennerley School. The organisation’s community centre there was recently saved from closure thanks to Erewash Borough Council stepping in to help cover rent and other costs.

The new funding will go towards a wheelchair ramp – plus much-needed items including pots and pans so a long-running lunch club can continue to take place weekly.

Centre manager Anne-Marie Wilson said in her successful grant application: “Clients get to socialise, keep warm, form relationships and have a hot meal along with a small take home meal when available.

“The volunteers and staff also support clients in many areas like mental health, addiction, debts and many other problems that they are experiencing.”

One of the centre’s schemes is called the “Freedom Programme” – which is for women and girls in the community who are victims of domestic abuse.

Erewash Deputy Leader Cllr Becca Everett, who is Lead Member for Community Engagement, said: “Local people rightly cherish organisations like Cotmanhay Community Network and Ilkeston Community Boxing Club. The selfless volunteers who are involved in both deserve all the support we can give.”