Ebbw Vale Bowls Club is hoping to invest in a machine to allow play to continue even when it’s raining – thanks to a donation from a Persimmon Homes

Ebbw Vale Bowls Club is hoping to invest in a machine to allow play to continue even when it’s raining – thanks to a donation from a local housebuilder.

The club, based Newchurch Road, has secured £1,000 of funding from Persimmon Homes East Wales.

The funding comes as part of Persimmon’s Community Champions initiative, which sees 64 good causes across Great Britain awarded up to £1,000 every month.

Ebbw Vale Bowls Club, which has 70 members aged from 17 to 82, has its eyes on a Bowdry machine, which helps remove water off the green to allow play to continue in inclement weather.

Owain Dando, of the club, said: “We’re over the moon to receive this generous funding from Persimmon Homes.

“It’s been a tricky year for all amateur clubs, so all support is gratefully received. Our bowls club is so important to our members for both their mental health and physical wellbeing.

“A Bowdry machine would mean we wouldn’t have to leave the green every time it rains. Living in Wales, that’d be great!”

Victoria Williams, sales director at Persimmon Homes East Wales, said: “We are delighted to be able to support Ebbw Vale Bowls Club.

“Bowls is a really inclusive sport. It’s a great way for people to get together and be active and sociable.”

Work has started on a £29m project to build 277 houses on the former Ebbw Vale Comprehensive School and College site.

To apply for Community Champions funding