With the impending closure of the EU Leader+ rural grants programme at the end of 2008, the Wealden and Rother Rural Partnership (WARR) held an event on 30 September 2008 to celebrate the successes achieved by Projects funded under this programme over the last 6 years. Following a welcome from the Chairman Graham Peters, Anne Crone the Programme Manager launched the new Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) Leader Programme under which the WARR Partnership has been awarded funding of £2.4 Million; money that will help to revitalise and support rural businesses and communities over the next five years.
 
The event was a resounding success and well attended by Leader+ project leaders, those interested in the RDPE Leader programme, Councillors from Rother and Wealden and special guests the High Sheriff of East Sussex, Hugh Burnett, and Lord Lieutenant of East Sussex, Peter Field.

 
23 Projects set up displays, to demonstrate their achievements under Leader+ and interesting presentations were made by 10 projects who provided a further insight into how this crucial funding had enabled them to transform the lives and future of people in their communities. Inspiring stories included how disaffected youngsters, who had been excluded from school or lost interest in education had, with the care and attention shown by trainers, rediscovered their passion for learning.

 
Barry Willet from SEEDA presented the aims of the RDPE Programme and, with Jacquie Middleton, was available all day to answer questions about the new fund.

 
It was a fabulous opportunity for existing projects and organisations interested in the new RDPE Leader programme to network and share information.

 
WARR can be contacted by email on info@warrpartnership.org.uk or by telephone on 01424 787400.