Competition is hotting up for this year’s £100,000 Pitch To The Panel run by Greenham Common Trust

The hard work for Pitch to the Panel judges now begins, as they sift through the stack of applications they have received.

This is the second year that the competition has been staged, and Danny Crates, medal-winning Paralympian, will be the keynote speaker.

Chris Boulton, Chief Executive of Greenham Common Trust said: “We have been bowled over with the number of applications we have received, and now comes the tricky task of narrowing them down to just six.

“We will do what we can to promote the interests of those who don’t make the shortlist, as well. It’s important to remember that the work that these charities do has an impact on everyone locally.”

Two charities which were successful at last year’s event were the West Berkshire Rapid Response Cars (WBRRC) and The Living Rainforest, in Hampstead Norreys.

The WBRRC was awarded £4,733 which went towards paying for essential winter safety kits, for their cars and drivers.

Andrew Sharp, WBRRC Chairman and Trustee, said: "WBRRC is a small local charity, which saves lives in our community. We are extremely grateful to Greenham Common Trust for its support.

“Our Pitch to the Panel grant from GCT has enabled us to purchase a wide range of safety equipment for each of our charity response vehicles.

“Each car now has a 'winter safety kit', keeping our responders safe and seen, which helps them to provide vital medical services in our community, whatever the weather.”

The Living Rainforest received a donation of £37,807. The organisation sought a grant of £56,222 to refurbish an existing glasshouse to show the unique rainforest environment of small islands nations.

Director of Development, Ruth Larkin said Pitch to the Panel was a great experience for the team at The Living Rainforest, and would encourage others to apply and raise their profile.

Ruth added: “These islands are on the front line of the impacts of climate change through rising sea levels. An existing glasshouse has been redeveloped, and much of the building work has been completed ready for the new animal exhibits.

“When the new glasshouse does open, it will be an exciting and educational addition for our 82,000 current visitors. We also expect the opening to help increase our visitor numbers, bringing enjoyment of the rainforest to 4,000 more people a year.”

Pitch To The Panel will take place at the Corn Exchange, on Wednesday, November 9. The evening will also offer the opportunity for people from charities and businesses to meet and exchange ideas.

Tickets are FREE and can be reserved by calling the Corn Exchange box office on 0845 5218 218.

For details of the event please visit https://pitchtothepanel.com or email [email protected]