Short mat bowls enjoyed by all thanks to Wealden’s Community Grants Programme

Wednesday, 18 January 2023 16:43

By Lee Everest @laeverest

An electric winder to help bowlers with limited mobility has been installed at Hailsham Short Mat Bowls Club thanks to funding through Wealden District Council’s Community Grants Programme.

The Community Grants programme allocated £3,000 to Hailsham Short Mat Bowls Club to purchase the electric storage and winding machine.

The new machine helps set up the mats and roll them back up again with ease to allow members with limited mobility and strength continue to play bowls.

Chairman of Wealden council Councillor Ron Reed and Councillor Pam Doodes, the council’s portfolio holder for Community, recently visited the club, which meets in the Civic Community Hall in Vicarage Lane, to see the new equipment in action.

Councillor Doodes said, “I really enjoyed my visit to the Hailsham Short Bowls Club to witness how easy it was to roll out the long heavy mats using the mat rolling machine purchased by the club with the help of a grant from Wealden. This machine helps enormously, all energy is now used playing bowls.

“Thank you Hailsham Short Bowls Club for your warm welcome and a great afternoon of fine bowling. I’m so pleased the grant from Wealden has made such a difference.”

Chairman Councillor Ron Reed said, “To be invited along to Hailsham Short Mat Bowls Club and meet the members was great. The grant has made such a difference to the club.

“I thoroughly enjoyed learning how to play bowls and would encourage anyone wanting to start a new hobby or to increase their social life to attend.”

For more information on funding opportunities and those awarded from Wealden’s Community Grants 2022/23, please go to: https://www.wealden.gov.uk/community-and-safety/information-on-grant-funding/community-grants-awarded-in-this-financial-year/