Three funds managed by County Durham Community Foundation will allow the Vane Tempest Bowling Club to replace their out-dated kitchen and enable them to provide in-house cooking for their social events.

The William Leech Fund, Four Seasons Healthcare Fund and Durham AAP Fund, all contributed to the kitchen refurbishment grant of £2,664 which was much-needed as the kitchen no longer complied with health and safety standards.

Established in 1951 and based in Gilesgate, members of the bowling club are mostly from the local community. It provides member with social and competitive bowling and it is a member of Bowls England and Bowls Durham. Members use bowling as a way to keep fit and active, maintain mental well-being and independence. The social side of meeting with similar minded friends is just as important as playing bowls.

The new kitchen will not only provide a facility for social events but will hopefully attract new members and an additional income stream. 

Richard Leech, fund holder of the William Leech Fund, who visited the bowling club with Sandra Brown, regional manager of Four Seasons Healthcare Fund, commented:

“It’s great to see the Club providing these facilities for older people to keep them active and foster new friendships. We have been able to help them in a fairly modest way through our fund and their request was topped up by other funds held by the Community Foundation. They offer an important service to their bowling members and we are delighted to support them.”

Sandra added: “This grant fits so well with Four Seasons Healthcare corporate social responsibility. Our purpose is all about supporting older people through our care homes and so it was perfect that we could add to the grant to refurbish the bowling club kitchen – an essential facility for the Club.”

Sheila Chapman, fund manager at County Durham Community Foundation added: “Although our grants are fairly small, they are often vital to grassroots organisations throughout our area of benefit. The Vane Tempest Bowling Club provides such an important resource for local people and we are delighted that these funders have chosen to make this award.”

John Webster, secretary of the Vane Tempest Bowling Club said:

“We are thrilled to receive this grant and be able to fit a new kitchen which will mean we can increase our offer to members and potentially attract new ones. Unfortunately the old kitchen was no longer fit for purpose and the refurbishment afforded by these grants mean that we now comply with current health and safety regulations. It’s also great to meet the funders and have them visit our Club.

Anyone interested is joining the Vane Tempest Bowling Club should contact John Webster on 0191 3721897 or email John at jonwebster21@gmail.com