In 2020 Beckingham Bowls Club applied successfully to be selected for inclusion in the Co-op Local Community Fund. This application was founded on plans to replace the tea / social room, which was subsequently demolished as it was unfit for purpose and had become a health hazard. The fund provides Co-op members with the opportunity to nominate one of three local causes, and when those Co-op members who nominated Beckingham Bowls Club purchased selected products the Club received an amount equivalent to the member’s dividend.
The fund ran from October 2020 to October 2021 and, although the Club was linked to the Co-op Food Store in Epworth, any purchases of selected products nationally qualified towards this fund. The total amount which accrued was £2,863.15 and some of Beckingham’s members received the cheque at the Co-op Epworth store on 20th November. Those members then celebrated with coffee and cakes at the local Garden Centre. The amount received from this fund has been reserved to go towards the cost of the replacement building. The Club is most grateful to the Co-op for providing this fundraising opportunity, to the Co-op members, and to Epworth Branch Manager Louise Hartshorn and her staff.
The Club is very hopeful of receiving further funds from other local community applications and opportunities in the pipeline to meet the total cost. This will provide better site facilities to match the bowling green as the Club moves into its 74th year since formation. It will also help to maintain the only remaining sports club in the village, providing a bowling facility for the local community.