THE good times can roll at a Northumberland bowling club, thanks to a financial boost from a leading housebuilder.
Seaton Delaval Ladies Bowling Club was one of hundreds of sports clubs, good causes and charities which applied to Miller Homes North East’s Community Fund in its second annual round of funding.
And the club, at Astley Community Park – near to Miller Homes’ Astley Place development – is now celebrating after securing a £1000 payout, which it plans to invest in three new scoreboards and two sets of bowls.
The club offers a friendly welcome space for people of all ages to stay active and improve their wellbeing, particularly older and retired people.
Members can play bowls socially or play in competitive leagues that run through the summer months and committee member Val Narcross, from Whitley Bay, said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive this grant as it’ll make a huge difference to the club.
“Currently we have no spare sets of bowls to lend to new members or those giving it a try to see if they would like to join.
“But now we will be able to encourage new members and really grow the club.”
Miller Homes introduced its regional Community Fund in 2022 to help grassroots projects linked to education, wellbeing, the environment and sport across the region.
And other beneficiaries in the latest round of funding were The Sick Children’s Trust, and CHUF Children’s Heart Unit Fund, which each received £1250 and Bright Northumbria Healthcare Charity, which was awarded £1500.
Miller Homes is currently developing 10 sites across the North East, from Seaham in County Durham to Bedlington, with a further five in the pipeline.
And regional operations director, Ryan Lincoln said: “Communities are at the heart of everything we do at Miller Homes North East and we know how valued our Community Fund is.
“We will be launching the next round of applications in 2026 and we would urge other groups to follow Seaton Delaval Ladies Bowling Club’s lead and put in an application.
For information about Miller Homes Community Fund visit https://www.millerhomes.co.uk/corporate/community-fund.aspx