St George Parade Grant Funding

Submitted by: Steadfast news correspondent, 8th Mar 10

The Steadfast Trust has provided a grant of £2000 for 2010

Once again the charity is proud to help the St George Day parade that was started in 1999 by a group of local residents of the Stone Cross area of West Bromwich, who desired to display their appreciation and love for their nation and celebrate their heritage and acknowledge St George’s Day, the occasion and to pay homage to our heroes and our glorious past. This group called themselves the Stone Cross St George Association.

The parade goes from Stone Cross to The Hall End Tavern and while numbers started low, they increased year on year. Now this is possibly the largest St George Day parade in England and a marvellous getting together of English men and women, boys and girls.

Estimated attendee figures…

Year - Public Attendees
2000 – 150
2001 – 300
2002 – 600
2003 – 1700
2004 – 4800
2005 – 6000
2006 – 7-8000
2007 – 15,000
2008 – 15,000
2009 – 20,000 (– Steadfast Trust Grant £1375)
2010 – expected 20,000+ (– Steadfast Trust Grant £2000)

The walk stretches from Stone Cross to Garters Green and consists of a full compliment of side shows, market stalls, entertainment and guest speakers.

Sadly since the withdrawal of the partial financial backing of Sandwell’s council, the parade has needed to obtain approximately £10,000 of funding from other sources. Last year the Steadfast Trust provided a grant of £1375, this year a request for £2000 has been made towards ensuring that the parade is safe.

Upon applying to the Steadfast Trust, a grant sum of £2000 was approved by the charity on the 8th March 2010. With the charities support we have helped to assist this fantastic event and are willing to help for years to come.

The event is very community based, bringing the English community together with local pubs offering free use of rooms, local bands playing, and local people committing their time and expertise. The Steadfast Trust is happy to assist this worthy cause.