A new stage funded by the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) has made its official debut at Spring Meadow Primary School’s sold out production of Dare to Dream Jr.

The project, made possible thanks to funding allocated by Tendring District Council (TDC), is already having a significant impact on opportunities for young performers in Harwich area and will serve as a shared resource for community groups across the district.

Spring Meadow Primary School, in Dovercourt, received £8,324 through the fund to purchase a portable, professional-grade stage.

The equipment is designed not only to enhance school productions but also to be made available on a donation basis to local charities, cultural organisations, sports clubs and other community groups.

The stage includes full ramp access to ensure inclusivity for performers and participants with mobility challenges.

Class teacher Danielle Cooper, from Spring Meadow Primary School, said: “Receiving the grant for the stage has enabled us to significantly enhance the experiences we are able to offer our young performers.

“The stage’s versatility allows it to be used in a variety of ways and provides additional space, ensuring that more children can be included in our productions.

“Our recent performance of Dare to Dream Jr — the stage’s first official outing — was a sold-out success.

“We are passionate about giving our participants an experience that is as close as possible to performing in a professional theatre environment.

“In a community such as Harwich, which does not have a dedicated theatre venue, local children often have fewer opportunities to access this type of experience.”

She also thanked Harwich Town Council, which sponsored the production for the fourth consecutive year.

“Their continued support enables us to hire professional sound equipment, helping to ensure that the experience for our young performers and audiences closely mirrors that of a professional theatre production,” she added.

Councillor Ivan Henderson, TDC Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, Regeneration and Tourism, said: “Spring Meadow’s new stage is a brilliant example of how this funding helps rural communities thrive.

“The REPF was designed to support meaningful, long-term improvements, and this project does exactly that — creating new opportunities for young people, improving accessibility, and providing a resource that the whole district can benefit from.

“We’re delighted to see it already inspiring confidence and creativity, and we look forward to seeing the stage used by many more groups across Tendring in the future.”

Since its launch in 2023, the Rural England Prosperity Fund has invested £1.14million into 54 rural businesses and 41 community projects across Tendring, helping organisations enhance facilities, improve accessibility and deliver events and services that support local residents and economies.

These grants have helped businesses expand, improve efficiency, and embrace innovation—funding everything from 3D printers and machine tools controlled by computer to new websites and even a revamped pub kitchen, enabling it to sell homemade food.

Community groups have used the funding to restore facilities, improve accessibility, and support inclusive activities, including equipment for children with special educational needs and upgrades to local swimming pools.