In this section you can learn more about the businesses that have been awarded grants by the Fens Adventurers LAG. Click on the project titles for more details.
Heading Onions
A & E G Heading received a grant towards the construction of a new and environmentally innovative onion store. Using technology from the Netherlands it is anticipated that the store energy costs could be cut by 25
percent, and secure the long-term future of the onion production and eight full time employees.
Fenland Farming
A grant was awarded to Kier Petherick of Fenland Farming towards the construction of a new cold-store at Stretham near Ely. The new store will extend the celery and lettuce season and lead to the creation of two
new full time, and four part time positions on the farm.
Watergull Orchards
Watergull Orchards is an excellent example of a quality local food producer, making over 20 different varieties of apple juice from their base just outside Wisbech. The Fens Adventurers were
delighted to support owner David Fisher with a grant towards a new apple press and mill. www.watergullorchards.co.uk
Completely Chilli
Completely Chilli is a successful local food business run by Helen Copping from Haddenham, near Ely. Helen produces a fantastic range of chilli sauces, relishes and preserves from chilli
plants grown on her parent's smallholding. www.completelychilli.co.uk
Charles David Photography
A grant was awarded to Charles David Photography Ltd to support the company with the construction of a new photography studio in March.
www.charlesdavidphotography.co.uk
L & A E Munns Bottling
The Fens Adventurers were very pleased to support George Munns in the expansion of his local food business producing rapeseed oil, goose fat and golden syrup on his farm near Chatteris. The grant contributed towards
the construction of bottling machinery and a new processing facility. www.laemunns.com
Maximum Precision
Engineering micro-enterprise Maximum Precision received a grant from the Fens Adventurers towards the costs of a new lathe and CNC Milling machine. This new equipment will enable the sucessful expansion of the
business and the creation of three full time jobs over the next two years. www.maximumprecision.co.uk
Common Farm Liveries
A grant was awarded to Joanna Thompson at Common Farm Liveries towards the expansion of the business. This contributed towards the construction of new stables, the fencing of new paddocks, and converting a
barn into a wash-bay. www.commonfarmliveries.com
Highline Extreme
A grant was awarded to Colin Hawes of Highline Extreme towards the construction of a new purpose built manufacturing centre near Downham Market. The manufacturing centre will increase the productice capacity
of this manufacturing of extreme sports equipment and create 5 new jobs locally. www.highlineextreme.co.uk
Horspool Embroidery
This specialist farm based business used their grant to invest in a top-of-the-range high speed embroidery machine, one of the first used in Europe, to help increase production and turnover.
Tall Trees Leisure Park
This established family business used their grant to help provide 13 new, premium caravan hard standing areas at their popular site near March in Fenland.www.talltreesleisurepark.co.uk
Dragonfly Centre at Wicken Fen
The Dragonfly Centre at Wicken Fen was opened in July 2009 and has been a great sucess. As the only Dragonfly Centre in Europe the project is of international importance and has already
featured on BBC's Springwatch and Autumnwatch 2010. www.wicken.org.uk
Cycle Hire at Wicken Fen
To capitalise on the success of the Dragonfly Centre the National Trust wanted to increase access to all parts of this internationally important wetlands and wildlife centre. The recently created oak framed cycle hire centre houses 40 bikes available for low environmental impact in-season access.www.wicken.org.uk
The Fen Paddle Company
This company received a grant to provide 'stand up paddle boarding', one of the fastest growing sports in the UK, on the Fen waterways. The money was used to help purchase specialist equipment, marketing and premises rent and adds to the eco-friendly tourist offer in Cambridgeshire.www.fenpaddle.co.uk
Ramsey Walled Garden Visitor Provision
A small grant of just over £3,000 enabled this volunteer run important local attraction to further enhance it's painstakingly restored Grade two listed walled kitchen garden.www.ramseywalledgarden.org
March Mooring Upgrade
A small grant was provided to the March Area Regeneration and Development Trust (MARDT) to create five new moorings for narrow boats at the Nene mooring adjacent to Marylebone Bridge.www.mardt.org.uk
Lazer2Day
Britpark Leisure wanted to access the teenage games market by providing a lazer tag arena on their existing site in Guyhirn. A grant of just under £15,000 helped them to realise this along with the upgrade of their restaurant facility. Visitor numbers have increased since the launch and restaurant takings have also improved due to customers spending more time at the premises.www.play2day.biz
Ely Stained Glass Museum
Although the existing 30 year old museum already attracted over 17,000 visitors per year it wanted to display more of it's unique collection and expand it's vital conservation work. A grant of just under £25,000 was provided to help them achieve this.www.stainedglassmuseum.com
Little Thetford Acorns
Little Thetford Acorns pre-school received a grant towards equipping their brand new SureStart building. Using the Fens Adventurers grant Little Thetford Acorns were able to landscape the garden, purchase new play
equipment, and install a new kitchen. www.littlethetfordacorns.org.uk
Little Teds Day Nursery Expansion
A Fens Adventurers RDPE grant helped fund an extension and specialist furniture allowing the nursery to offer much needed additional places.
Black Horse Drove Community Centre
A local group wanted to revamp their old village hall; Fens Adventurers provided an RDPE grant to help pay for new equipment to complement the refurbished hall and provide a multi function community centre for all.