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Salford bowling club ‘bowled over’ after being named Springboard Heroes winner
News |
A Salford bowling club has been given a welcome funding boost after being named winners of this year’s Springboard Heroes Awards.
Chandos Bowling Club has been crowned Springboard Heroes 2023 winners in our annual awards, which aim to recognise community groups and initiatives that are making a difference in neighbourhoods across Salford.
After a month-long public vote with hundreds of votes cast, it was a close contest between the four finalists – Ordsall Community Arts group, Salford Forum for Refugees and People Seeking Asylum, Visit from the Stork and the eventual winner Chandos Bowling Club.
The bowling club wins a £1,000 cash boost, which they will be using towards the upkeep of the clubhouse, with the runners-up each receiving £100.
The bowling club, based in Weaste, has been at the heart of the community for more than 50 years, providing much-needed sporting and social activities which are open to all.
Its members describe it as an “oasis in the middle of Salford” and for many, it’s been a lifeline for helping to overcome isolation or mental health issues.
Club Treasurer Irene Travis said: “We are thrilled to be named Springboard Heroes 2023 winner – it’s amazing. I can’t thank everyone enough who gave their vote to us, it means such a lot. We’re not just a bowling club, we are a family, we are here to help everyone, and the money will help to keep us going.
“I also want to thank Salix Homes – the Springboard Heroes competition gave us the opportunity to let more people know about us and the work we do. It will mean so much to everyone who gives their time and energy to help residents who need us more now than ever.”
The bowling club is a lively and friendly space offering a safe and inclusive place to exercise, meet with friends and get some fresh air, providing an important boost to people’s health and wellbeing.
Sue Sutton, Chief Executive at Salix Homes said: “Springboard Heroes is our way of celebrating some of the fantastic work that people are doing to help the residents of Salford, and Chandos Bowling Club do exactly that, you can see from the number of members who turn up and play that it is a really important part of the community.
“Clubs Like Chandos are crucial as they provide a vital outlet for residents, providing lasting benefits to people’s health and wellbeing. They’re a very worthy winner of this year’s Springboard Heroes Awards and it’s projects like these that make our communities so special, so we hope our donation will go some way in supporting them to continue the fantastic work that they do.”
The Club is also looking to expand its membership and welcomes all enquiries.
Salix Homes has donated more than £49,000 to dozens of local groups and initiatives across Salford this year as part of our Springboard community grant programme, which provides much-needed cash injections to local projects that boost community spirit, promote health and wellbeing, reduce isolation and improve the environment.
