A CLUB which provides activities, support and hot meals for people in Launceston has been boosted thanks to a new cooker bought with funding from South West Water’s Neighbourhood Fund.

Dunheved Bowls Club has received funding to upgrade and replace its cooker to ensure they can continue to provide meals and cater for larger numbers of people.

Founded in 1914, the club runs green bowling in the summer and short mat bowls in the winter, also running a calendar of social events for the local community.

Rob Easton has been a valued member for 25 years and joined the club after hearing what a friendly place it was as he was looking for a new sport to play. He said: “It’s a pleasure to be a member of Dunheved Bowling Club. My fellow bowlers are competitive but friendly and supportive. I enjoy the varied social events which are well organised and include something for everyone to enjoy. This new cooker will make catering for these events much easier.”

Julie Fishleigh from Dunheved Bowling Club, said: “The COVID pandemic has had a detrimental effect on our membership. What a lot of the elderly community have missed most of all during this time is the companionship the club has offered in the past. Our new cooker will allow us to continue our soup days and buffets, which not only offer social companionship but also provides some who live alone with a hot meal for the day.”

Jo Ecroyd, customer service director at South West Water, said: “Feelings of isolation and loneliness are all too common among older people and the COVID-19 pandemic has proved to be a particularly difficult time.

“Charities and community groups, such as Dunheved Bowling Club do fantastic work in the local area to support some of the most vulnerable members of our communities. We’re delighted to be providing this funding so that they can continue their outreach activity and community support.”

This funding comes as part of South West Water’s Neighbourhood Fund to support community groups and initiatives which will improve the lives of residents in Devon, Cornwall and Dorset by inspiring physical activities, enhancing education, health and wellbeing and delivering positive environmental outcomes.

Since April 2021, the fund has provided almost £80,000 to over 50 local causes in its region, with projects stretching from St Mary’s on The Isles of Scilly to Christchurch in Bournemouth.

The local community groups which are benefiting from the Neighbourhood Fund have been struck by the effects of the pandemic due to a limited supply of cash and the inability to receive funds through typical methods of fundraising.

To find out more about the South West Water Neighbourhood Fund, visit southwestwater.co.uk/community/support/neighbourhood