PRINCETOWN Pavilion Youth Club has had a massive cash boost to help develop its popular music project over the next two years.

The youth club has successfully obtained grant funding of £78,000 to refurbish instruments, buy new instruments and equipment and pay for music tutors and youth support workers.

The Princetown Pavilion Youth Club re-opened in 2013 following two years of closure as local authority funding was reduced.

A local management committee, chaired by Dartmoor Forest Parish councillor for the Princetown ward Cllr Wendy Stones, developed a partnership with ‘One Step Beyond’ CIC, a professional youth organisation, to re-establish activities for children and young people in this isolated community.

During the last three years, the club established a number of activities in response to the requests of the young people. A clear creative theme became evident, with music as a real passion for many of the members, who put forward the idea of a dedicated music project.

Lead youth worker for Princetown Pavilion Youth Club Jo Potter said: ‘We were successful in obtaining grants from both The People’s Health Trust and the Youth Music Trust totalling £78,000 with funding provided to develop a broader range of music interests over the next two years.

‘The money has enabled us to refurbish some existing instruments and equipment plus purchase new keyboards, guitars, piano and sound system, allowing more young people to learn and perform music. The money will also pay for specialist music tutors and youth support workers to help develop the project and encourage a wider group of young people to explore their creativity, attend music performances and organise and take part in local events.

‘This is a fantastic chance to access music lessons, build new friendships and create positive connections with the local community. Members of Princetown Pavilion Youth Club are growing in confidence, with one already preparing to perform in front of her school!

‘We are thrilled to have received this funding as many youth club members struggle to access activities, due to the limited transport out of the village. Therefore, having this facility on their doorstep is an incredible opportunity for the young people of Princetown.’

The youth club also runs a range of other activities, creative arts and crafts, indoor games and has a small computer suite. The other popular activity is the Moor to Mouth programme, teaching young people about growing their own food and how to prepare and cook it.

Each week a group works out a new recipe and produces a meal for all those who attend. This element of the programme has also been supported by The Big Lottery Awards for All and is currently a finalist in the Tesco ‘Bags of Help’ competition which is running in the Tavistock store at the moment.

The club, located in the Pavilion, Barrack Road, is currently open on three evenings a week. On Tuesdays from 4.30pm to 6.30pm for juniors aged eight to 11; 7pm to 9pm for seniors aged 11 to 19; Wednesdays 7pm to 9pm for seniors — specifically for music tuition — and Thursdays 6.45pm to 9.15pm for seniors.

For further information or to get involved in these new projects, contact Jo Potter at the club or email [email protected]