SPARK – Sport, Amenities & Recreation in Kesgrave – is a long-standing, Kesgrave-based charity that helps fund local sport, leisure and community activities. SPARK is an independent registered charity (numbers 1077587 and 1210620) that works closely with Kesgrave Town Council and many local organisations to improve quality of life for residents.
About SPARK
SPARK was created to support sport, recreation and other leisure activities for people who live in Kesgrave and the surrounding area. Its purpose is to help provide facilities, equipment and opportunities “in the interests of social welfare and in order to improve the quality of life” for local residents.
The charity is run by a Board of Trustees and supported by volunteers. Trustees do not receive any payment for their role. Recent Charity Commission data shows that SPARK continues to bring in significant income each year and actively uses those funds to support local projects through grants.
Working in partnership with Kesgrave Town Council
SPARK and Kesgrave Town Council work together as community partners. SPARK’s grants help the Town Council to provide events and facilities that might otherwise be difficult to fund, especially at a time of rising costs.
In recent years, SPARK has awarded grants to Kesgrave Town Council to support:
- Kesgrave Fun Day – helping with the cost of running this popular community event.
- Christmas celebrations at the Rupert Fison Centre – including activities such as the ice skating rink and Santa’s Grotto.
- Resurfacing of the play area in the grounds of Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre (KWMCC) – improving a key family play space.
This partnership means that local donations and fundraising can be turned into practical support for events, play areas and activities that many residents use and enjoy. SPARK has also provided grants to other groups that use Town Council or community facilities, such as sports clubs and community organisations.
How SPARK raises its funds
SPARK can accept donations from individuals, organisations and businesses. However, most of its income currently comes from the 2nd Stop Charity Shop in Kesgrave.
The 2nd Stop Charity Shop:
- Is based at the Tesco site on Ropes Drive in Kesgrave.
- Sells good-quality donated items such as clothes, books, toys and small household goods.
- Is run by a manager and a team of volunteers.
The simple idea is that residents’ unwanted items are “up-cycled” into funding for local sport, play and community projects. Money raised by shoppers’ donations and purchases is passed on by SPARK to schools, clubs, the Town Council and many other local organisations as grants.
Recent projects supported in Kesgrave
SPARK’s grants reach a wide range of people – from school children and young people, to families, older residents and community groups. Examples in recent years include support for:
- Local schools – including funding for outdoor learning pods and “Jess’ Garden” at Cedarwood School, as well as new play equipment at Heath School, giving children more space to play, learn and relax.
- Kesgrave High School – help towards resurfacing a multi-sport play area that had reached the end of its life, and support for school football teams.
- Sports and activity clubs – such as weather-proof jackets for the walking football club based at KWMCC, allowing players to stay active in all weathers, and support for other clubs and teams across Kesgrave.
- Community groups and facilities – including grants to the Kesgrave Library and Computer Club, the “Forget Me Not” café, Kesgrave Friendship Club and other groups that provide social connection, learning and support.
- Kesgrave Town Council events and facilities – including the Fun Day, Christmas activities at the Rupert Fison Centre and improvements to local play equipment.
A report prepared for Kesgrave Town Council’s Annual Town Meeting in 2023 noted that SPARK had already made grants to several local organisations that year, with more in progress – underlining how important the charity is to the town’s community life.
Who can apply for SPARK support?
SPARK exists specifically to help Kesgrave residents and Kesgrave-based organisations. According to the charity’s own guidance, the following can apply for grants:
- Individuals aged 16 or over who live in Kesgrave.
- Kesgrave Town Council.
- Local schools and pre-schools in Kesgrave.
- Voluntary organisations and community groups based in Kesgrave.
- Sports organisations and clubs based in the town.
Grants are typically used to help with costs such as:
- Sports and play equipment.
- Clothing and kit for teams or clubs.
- Room or hall hire for community activities.
- Improvements to local facilities and outdoor spaces.
Applications are considered by the Board of Trustees, and funds are awarded where projects clearly benefit people in Kesgrave.
How to apply and find out more
SPARK provides clear information on who can apply and how the process works on its website. If you are unsure whether your idea or group might qualify, the charity encourages you to get in touch for advice before applying.
To find out more or to make an application, you can:
- Visit the SPARK website: Visit the SPARK website
- Email the Secretary: secretary@kesgrave-spark.org.uk
- Write to the Secretary at: 48 Alberta Close, Kesgrave, Ipswich, IP5 1HS.
SPARK and Kesgrave Town Council look forward to continuing their partnership, turning local generosity into lasting benefits for residents, clubs, schools and community groups across the town.
