Community groups in the Gazette & Herald’s circulation area have just over a week to apply for up to £250 grant aid for their Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

The Gazette’s community fund, set up in 2000, is offering grants to communities to help their parties go with a swing.

Some 24 applications have already been received by the Community Foundation for Wiltshire and Swindon, which administers the fund. The closing date is Friday, April 6.

Dozens of groups in north and east Wiltshire are well advanced in their plans for events over the weekend of June 2–5 with street parties a particular favourite.

But other communities have more long-term goals. At Marden, near Devizes, the community want a memorial of the Queen’s 60 years on the throne.

As well as a street party, they are planning to install a clock on the outside of the village hall and are already raising funds.

There will be a 50-mile walk and cycle challenge on April 29 at 9.30am. Riders pay an entry fee of £5. At 11am, a family cycle ride, £5 per family, will leave on a shorter, less challenging route.

There are lots of other ways to celebrate and the G&H Fund can help. For more details, contact the Community Foundation for Wiltshire and Swindon, 48 New Park Street, Devizes SN10 1DS or ring (01380) 729284.