The current funded phase of the Ruby Country Initiative is nearing an end, with funding coming to an end in March this year. Much work is being done to find a way forward, including a bid for funding into the Local Action Groups of North Devon and Greater Dartmoor. This would build on the success of past Ruby work by developing the economic benefits that the Trails and the Ruby Way could bring.

However, there are no guarantees in this game, and all avenues are being explored. Holsworthy Town Council has kindly put up £500 from next year's budget, and West Devon Borough Council has indicated their willingness to contribute to a future Ruby Country. Tortridge District Council and Devon County Council are not currently minded to contribute, but we hope to change their minds!

Holsworthy MCTI and Hatherleigh Area Project have always had the majority influence on the Ruby Country Steering Group, and ways are being found to consolidate those relationships - a partnership could be the way forward to move Ruby Country very firmly into the Community it belongs to, and Holsworthy MCTI are indicating a willingness to support this proposal. The Ruby Business Network is now 140 members strong, and a core group meeting is taking place at the Bickford Arms, 3rd February, to explore their role in the future of Ruby - if you have a contribution to make please come along!

What can you do?

• We need letters of support, from business, councillors (parish, district and county) and the community to sit alongside any bids for funding, to demonstrate support
• Write to your district and county councillors and ask them to lobby for continued funding
• Ideas: if you have a brainwave as to how Ruby could generate it's own cash, and move to a self-sustaining model, please share it with us!
• Cash: if you would like to support the next phase of Ruby Country, financial support is always appreciated. As match funding against public pots of money it doubles in value...
• Volunteers: within the Ruby Business Network and elsewhere exist a core fo hard-working volunteers who have helped to steer Ruby Country to where it is now. If you would like to help out, please get in touch!

Finally, an article in today's press summarises nicely the predicament we are in, read more here: North Devon Journal

The Ruby Country Initiative can be contacted via ruby.country@devon.gov.uk, or call Tom or Polly on 01409 221896.