Ogmore Vale Bowls Club has received a helping hand to purchase specialist youth equipment which it hopes will boost the uptake of the sport amongst young people.
With many grassroot sports experiencing a hike in running costs, local energy firm Pennant Walters has stepped in to provide over £8,000 of funding which has allowed the Club to purchase specialist youth bowls equipment and implement disabled access throughout the pavilion, to help ensure that the sport is accessible to all.
The Club has a long history in the area and is at heart of village life in Ogmore Vale and the surrounding area. The donation will help the Club’s members drive their aspirations to enhance facilities, increase services to the community and to grow the Club under self-management so that it makes a greater impact and contributes to improving the security and health and wellbeing of the area.
Club Secretary Stephen Jones said:
“We have a great membership for adult bowls but have been looking to increase the interest amongst young people for a while but haven’t had the money to buy the specialist equipment needed.
“We are so grateful for Pennant Walters support as we can now link with local schools and youth clubs to drive this interest.”
As well as drive membership numbers, the Club has aspirations to enhance the Pavilion so that it can provide a meeting room and improved space for users, whilst it is also planning to develop the tennis courts into a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) and open a car park onsite to avoid users and visitors having to park on the main road.
The funding provided by Pennant Walters is from a fund linked to the construction of the Pant y Wal Wind Extension Farm, adjacent to Ogwr Valley. It builds on previous donations which have seen the company provide money to support various community groups.
Dale Hart, managing director of Pennant Walters added:
“Our wind energy projects come with community funds that we use to invest in projects such as this and our aim is to bring very real benefits to the communities in the vicinity of our projects, providing financial assistance and expertise where we can.
“I am delighted that many young people will now have the opportunity to try their hand at bowls. “We wish the Club’s various teams the best of luck in the future and look forward to following their success!”
