So far 6 applications have been recieved for grants towards celebrations. For up to date news see the Rothwell 600 update page .

Rothwell celebrates the 600^th anniversary of the granting of its Royal Charter in February 2008. This offers an opportunity to harness the diverse mix and wealth of community groups within our area and bring them together to organise a year of celebrations. It will provide a focus to unite people from a variety of groups, increase identity within the area, strengthen community cohesion, and create greater opportunities for partnership and getting more involved in your community.

Following initial discussions, a meeting of the Rothwell Town Centre Partnership was used as an initial sounding board to begin to establish a way forward. Community groups were invited as well as local businesses and brainstorming sessions were held to come up with some initial thoughts on what projects and events could be included in Rothwell 600. The first Rothwell 600 meeting was held on the 20^th September 2007. To date a committee has been formed and officers elected with a constitution agreed. A Rothwell 600 bank account has been opened. Meetings are expected to be held fortnightly to progress plans.

Rothwell 600 has agreed the following aims:

• Uniting local groups in a shared goal and provide opportunities for the involvement of local people through a variety of activities and events.

• Through Town Centre Management work in partnership with local business and commerce, with a view to increasing footfall in the town and assist in the regeneration of the town.

• Promoting the town centres of Rothwell, Carlton, Oulton and Woodlesford.

• Working with local schools to develop a sense of pride by local children in the area.

• Encourage people from a wide variety of backgrounds to share and appreciate the culture and heritage of the area.

• Use the celebrations as vehicle to regenerate the Ward through a variety of methods, promoting community pride and identity. 

Rothwell 600 plan to contact as many local groups as possible with a view to encouraging them to support and participate in the celebrations.

The Outer South Leeds Area Management Committee has agreed to provide funding to support the work of Rothwell 600, subject to the inclusion of groups from those parts of Ardsley Robin Hood that were formally part of Rothwell. 

It has been decided that local groups should have access to this funding to either add to an existing event or organise a specific event for Rothwell 600. Expressions of interest are now invited (please see Project Proposal form), a list of ideas together with a brief criteria is also enclosed as a guide. In order to be eligible for funding events must be open to the public, and demonstrate a link to the Rothwell 600 theme. Groups that receive funding must adopt the Rothwell 600 brand and include it in publicity. 

Groups can apply for up to £500.00 for small events i.e. fancy dress or arts workshops and up to £1000.00 when groups are working in partnership as part of this year long celebration. There is also the opportunity to apply for larger amounts if the group can prove that they have matched funds from other sources for their event and that the event will attract a larger audience. South Leeds Management Team will acknowledge and correlate all proposals received on behalf of Rothwell 600; projects will then be assessed by a small sub group of Rothwell 600. The decision of the sub group will be final.

 The deadline for the first phase of is December the 3^rd 2007. Please post or email the proposal to the above address. A second phase of funding is also planned with the deadline of 29^th February 2008.

 If you would like to discuss this in more detail please call Kate Armitstead on 0113 224 3040