Video: EMG Solicitors visit Bowes Football Club

EMG Solicitors visit Bowes Football Club.

Through their EMG Community Fund, managed by County Durham Community Foundation, the EMG team chose to support Bowes Football Club with a grant of £3,181 to upgrade their facilities.

And when Covid-19 restrictions eased, Claire and Gemma from EMG visited the club to see the improvements.

Where once the club changing rooms were in a state of disrepair, they are now sparkling, with new showers. Rotten floor joists have been replaced and the building has been secured with roller shutters.

EMG Solicitors visit Bowes

The current committee took over three years ago and have gradually been fundraising to make the facilities useable and smart once more. Volunteers have cleared the nettles around the pitch and planted them with flowers and shrubs.

Geoff Thwaites showed Claire and Gemma around, and explained what a difference the grant has made.

Geoff said: “It’s made a massive difference. We want the club to be a hub for the community and now it is cared for and well maintained. It had become very neglected when we took it over.”

Claire from EMG solicitors: “This application jumped off the page for us because we could see it would be good for so many people. It’s really inspiring to hear Geoff’s plans for the club and how passionate he is about making it successful.”

Setting up a named fund

Creating a named fund with County Durham Community Foundation is a great way to give back to your community, without the hassle and expense of setting up and managing your own charitable trust. You can name the fund however you wish; it could be in your own name or family name, your business name, or named after a friend or family member in memory of someone special.

You set the criteria for your fund and, if you wish, you have the final say on all grants made. Our team of experts takes care of all legal responsibilities and administrative processes so there’s minimal administration for you to do, and you’ll receive regular updates on your fund’s grant-making activities.