Eckington Bowls Club approached our Community Involvement Team to apply for funding through the Rykneld Homes Neighbourhood Improvement Budget.
We visited the club and spoke to the Chair, Vice Chair and a committee member to find out how our funding has helped the club and community.
Alan, Chair of the Eckington Bowls Club, said "We’ve been at this current spot since 1981 but the club itself has existed for over 100 years now. It used to be based on the spot behind where we now play."
Dave, Vice Chair, said "We applied to the Parish Council for funding and they recommended Rykneld Homes to us. We applied for £500 from Rykneld and we were granted it after a few weeks. This money has helped us to purchase fencing, nails, and paint so it’s brought the green up to a modern standard. The money has all been spent and we certainly wouldn’t have been able to do it without the funding.
"The funding has made a big difference, it’s now a viable bowling green and means the community can carry on playing for a lot longer. Rykneld Homes were the first funding we applied for which has now kickstarted us to apply for other grants, because of this we have since received £1,000 through Eckington Parish Council."
Henry, a committee member added, "We’ve received lots of compliments about the state of our green now that we were able to carry out this work. There’s even been talk of playing higher level games on it!"
If anyone would like to get involved in the Eckington Bowls Club they are open most days and it’s just £1 per person. You can contact either Dave on 07979 083303 or Henry on 07972 659131. All abilities are welcome.
To find out more about the Neighbourhood Improvement Budget and how it might be able to help you, please contact our Community Involvement Team on 01246 217670.
