Residents taking part in indoor bowls at Curborough Community Centre are set to benefit from new equipment donated through Lichfield District Council's ‘Our Community Can’ social value programme.
The donation, made by contractor Ascot Services, will support the community centre's popular weekly short mat bowls sessions and help make the activity more accessible for new and existing players.
Ascot Services, which is currently delivering refurbishment works to the swimming pool changing facilities at Burntwood Leisure Centre, donated a set of indoor bowls worth £300. The equipment includes smaller-sized bowls designed to make the sport more comfortable and accessible for a wider range of residents, helping encourage greater participation and reducing barriers to getting involved.
The donation forms part of Lichfield District Council's Our Community Can social value programme, which ensures that investment in major projects delivers lasting benefits for local communities alongside the physical improvements being made.
Through its £450,000 contract at Burntwood Leisure Centre, Ascot Services has already generated more than £120,000 of social value. This includes spending £39,500 with local businesses and providing more than 600 hours of work through local tradespeople.
On Monday 22 June, members of the indoor bowls group received the new equipment from Jared Freeman, Social Value Lead at Lichfield District Council, and Ashley Worsfold, Projects Director at Ascot Services.
Ania Kluk, Senior Centre Co-ordinator at Curborough Community Centre, said:
"On behalf of the bowling club, thank you for your generous donation of smaller-sized bowls. These will help encourage greater participation by providing equipment that is comfortable and accessible for players. Your contribution is making a meaningful difference, and we are very grateful for your support."
Ashley Worsfold, Projects Director at Ascot Services, said:
"We are proud to support Curborough Community Centre through this donation. Social value is an important part of our work and we are committed to creating positive impacts in the communities where we operate. We hope the new equipment will be enjoyed by the bowls group for many years to come."
Councillor Rob Strachan, Cabinet Member for Finance and Commissioning at Lichfield District Council, said:
"This is a great example of what our Our Community Can programme is all about – ensuring investment in our district creates benefits that reach far beyond the project itself.
"Alongside improving facilities at Burntwood Leisure Centre, this partnership has helped support a valued community activity here in Lichfield. The new equipment will help more residents take part, stay active and build social connections, while strengthening an important local community group."
The indoor bowls group meets at Curborough Community Centre every Monday from 10am to 12.30pm. New members are always welcome. For more information, call Brian on 07858 042485.