Community Investment Fund - Dreghorn Bowling Club
North Ayrshire Council · 29 September 2026
Back to Cabinet — 29 September 2026 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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PUBLIC INFORMATION PUBLIC INFORMATION NORTH AYRSHIRE COUNCIL 29 September 2026 Cabinet (Education) Title: Proposals for Community Investment Fund (CIF) Expenditure Purpose: To determine applications by Locality Partnerships to allocate CIF funding to proposed projects. Recommendation: That Cabinet: a) Reviews the application from the Irvine Locality Partnership in line with CIF criteria; and b) Approves the CIF application in relation to Dreghorn Bowling Club (see Appendix 1). 1. Executive Summary 1.1 Within its budget for 2017-18, North Ayrshire Council provided an allocation for the creation of an innovative fund to enable communities to address the priorities they have identified through Local Planning Partnerships and within the context of North Ayrshire Community Planning Partnership’s Fair for All Strategy and the Council’s Community Wealth Building Strategy. In June 2021, Cabinet approved a further £1m top-up for the funding, with a further £2m added in November 2021. 1.2 Locality Partnerships have subsequently continued to work on their local action plans and refining proposals for expenditure in line with their locally identified needs. It is a testament to the dedication of the Locality Partnerships and their community partners that proposals continue to emerge to provide creative approaches to addressing local challenges. 1.3 This report brings forward a proposal which responds to the specific needs of the local community, and which has been developed based on local circumstances and opportunities. 2. Background 2.1 Within its budget for 2017-18, North Ayrshire Council provided an allocation for the creation of an innovative fund to enable communities to address the priorities they have identified through Locality Planning Partnerships and within the context of North Ayrshire Community Planning Partnership’s Local Outcomes Improvement Plan and the Council’s Community Wealth Building Strategy. A further £3m was added to the funding in 2021. A summary of the current position on disbursement of CIF monies is summarised in the table below:
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PUBLIC INFORMATION PUBLIC INFORMATION 2.2 It was agreed that the CIF awards would range between £5,000 and £100,000 for community organisations, as defined in the CIF guidance, to support proposals and projects that connect with: • The North Ayrshire Local Outcomes Improvement Plan overarching aim of North Ayrshire: Fair for All, with consideration for how applications contribute to community support for the cost-of-living crisis; • The Community Planning Partnership and locality priorities; • North Ayrshire Council’s values, priorities, and business objectives; and • The Community Wealth Building and Sustainable North Ayrshire Strategies And will also: • Fulfil a compelling need and not duplicate existing services or facilities. • Provide long-term, sustainable, positive results for the greatest number of people possible; • Exhibit project and/or organisational innovation in their approaches to their work in their way of addressing community challenges and in their request to Locality Partnerships and the Council; • Come from (an) organisation(s) that is financially viable (can provide financial statements upon requests) and efficiently and effectively managed. This can include an organisation to be created to deliver the project; • Include options or potential for NAC and CPP employee engagement and volunteering where possible; and • Include measurable outcomes and can report to NAC on outcomes on a regular basis. 2.3 The proposal development and application process has been agreed as follows: Locality Value of CIF from first funding allocation (2017-18) Value of CIF from second funding allocation (June 2021) Value of CIF from third funding allocation (Nov 2021) Expenditure to date Total balance available Irvine £754,000 £290,000 £580,000 £1,146,010 £477,990 Kilwinning £286,000 £120,000 £240,000 £438,060 £207,940 Three Towns £598,000 £240,000 £480,000 £1,318,000 £0 Garnock Valley £390,000 £150,000 £300,000 £601,103.04 £238,896.96 North Coast £468,000 £170,000 £340,000 £935,761 £42,239 Arran £104,000 £30,000 £60,000 £125,079 £68,921 TOTAL £2,600,000 £1,000,000 £2,000,000 £4,564,013.04 £1,035,986.96
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PUBLIC INFORMATION PUBLIC INFORMATION • Locality Partnerships should continue to engage with their communities and stimulate interest in the CIF. Each Locality Partnership will then strategically access the applications, make links, and look at the funding ‘in the round’. • If the partnership supports a bid, then the group will be encouraged to submit a full application form, which they will decide upon before making a proposal to Cabinet for final approval. • The proposal will go to the next suitable Cabinet for final approval. 2.4 The enclosed application at Appendix 1 has been developed by community partners and North Ayrshire Council officers and is now recommended for approval by Cabinet. The application is summarised below. 2.5 The Irvine Locality Partnership The allocation and funds committed to date are outlined in the table below. The Irvine Locality Partnership CIF allocation to date: £1,624,000 Irvine Digital Officer £84,604* Vineburgh & Fullarton Community Enablers £100,000 Irvine New Town Mens Shed £10,000 Irvine Harbourside Mens Shed £10,000 Irvine Youth Hub £100,000 Irvine Tennis Club £100,000 INPUT £60,000 Children's 1st £97,580 CHAP £91,534 BABCA Community Garden £12,777 Fullarton Outdoor Gym £100,000 Turning Point - Pathways to Progress £96,112 Micah Project £50,000 Irvine Cricket Club £49,500 Impact Arts £87,652 Micah Project £100,000 Balance £477,990 2.6 Proposal: Dreghorn Bowling Club (£40,000) (See Appendix 1) 2.6.1 Dreghorn Bowling Club, established in 1875, is a long-standing volunteer-led, non- profit community organisation based in the village of Dreghorn. The club has continued to develop its role as a wider community asset, supporting social connection, physical activity and wellbeing for people of all ages. The organisation offers a range of activities including lawn bowling, carpet bowling, coaching sessions and engagement with local primary and secondary schools, youth groups and community organisations. 2.6.2 The group is seeking £40,000 funding to support the expansion and modernisation of its toilet facilities. This includes the creation of a new ladies toilet, a fully accessible toilet and an enlarged gents toilet, which will double the club’s current toilet capacity and improve access for people with disabilities and mobility challenges. The
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PUBLIC INFORMATION PUBLIC INFORMATION improved facilities will support the club to expand its year-round programme of activities. This proposal aligns with Irvine Locality Partnership priorities by supporting inclusive access to local facilities, promoting health and wellbeing, and reducing barriers to community involvement. It also contributes to the North Ayrshire Local Outcomes Improvement Plan priorities of Wellbeing and Work through improving community facilities, supporting volunteering and developing opportunities for people of all ages to be active, connected and involved in their local area. 2.6.3 £37,000 match funding is confirmed in principle, with applications to the National Lottery Community Fund and Sport Scotland to meet the remaining project costs, subject to approval of the Community Investment Fund contribution. Dreghorn Bowling Club has operated as a volunteer-led, non-profit community organisation for over 150 years and has established governance arrangements in place to support the delivery and management of the project. 3. Proposals 3.1 That Cabinet: a) Reviews the application from Irvine Locality Partnership in line with CIF criteria; and b) Approves the CIF application in relation to Dreghorn Bowling Club (see Appendix 1). 4. Implications/Socio-economic Duty Financial 4.1 CIF funding is allocated from within existing resources. Human Resources 4.2 None. Legal 4.3 None. Equality/Socio-economic 4.4 The purpose of Locality Planning is to reduce inequalities, increase community cohesion and advance community empowerment. Each of the CIF proposals is tested against that purpose before being presented to Cabinet. Climate Change and Carbon 4.5 Environmental and sustainability along with climate change and carbon reduction opportunities are considered in relation to each CIF application. This proposal supports recycle and re-use principles.
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PUBLIC INFORMATION PUBLIC INFORMATION Key Priorities 4.6 The proposals contained within the report support the North Ayrshire Council Plan strategic aims. • To transition to a wellbeing economy, delivering prosperity, wellbeing and resilience for local people. • We will have active, inclusive, and resilient communities. • A Community Wealth Building Council that is efficient and accessible, maximising investment and focusing resources towards our priorities. Community Wealth Building 4.7 The application supports the following pillars of community wealth building: • Financial Power: Listening to communities and local enterprises to maximise the impact of financial investment and grow local business, enhance innovation and empower communities. • Land and Assets: Maximising the function and ownership of local physical assets for the benefit of communities and enterprises. Islands Communities Impact Assessment (ICIA) 4.8 None. United Nations Rights of the Child (UNCRC) 4.9 The proposals support the rights of children and young people through offering better access to facilities, in particular supporting the right to play and the right to be part of their community. Consumer Duty 4.10 None. 5. Consultation 5.1 The proposals contained within this report have been developed by the Locality Partnerships, through consultation with local people, including young people. David W. Hammond Executive Director (Communities & Housing) For further information please contact Rhonda Leith, Head of Service (Connected Communities), on 01294 324415. Background Papers Appendix 1: CIF Application Dreghorn Bowling Club
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Community Investment Fund Application Form: Irvine Locality The CIF will support proposals and projects that: • Connect with: o The North Ayrshire Fair for All Inequalities Strategy; o the Community Planning Partnership and Locality priorities; and o North Ayrshire Council’s values, priorities and business objectives. • Fulfil a compelling need and do not duplicate existing services or facilities; • Provide long-term, sustainable, positive results for the greatest number of people possible; • Exhibit project and/or organisational innovation in their approaches to their work in their way of addressing community challenges and in their request to Locality Partnerships and the Council; • Come from (an) organisation(s) that is financially viable (can provide financial statements upon request) and efficiently and effectively managed. This can include an organisation to be created to deliver the project; • Include options or potential for NAC and CPP employee engagement and volunteering where possible; and • Include measurable outcomes and can report to NAC on outcomes on a regular basis. When to apply and how? • LPs should continue to engage with their communities, and stimulate interest in the CIF. The Locality Partnership will then strategically assess the applications, make links and look at the funding ‘in the round’. • If the partnership supports a bid then the group will be encouraged to submit a full application form, which they will decide upon before making a proposal to Cabinet for final approval. • The finalised proposal will go to the next suitable Cabinet for final approval. • Forms should be returned to your Locality Co-ordinator, by email if possible: Elaine Baxter Irvine Locality Coordinator Economy and Communities Community Development Team Redburn Community Centre Dickson Drive Irvine KA12 9EW Email: ebaxter@north-ayrshire.gov.uk Tel: 01294 313593 Mob: 07814418453 Support and information will be available for groups who are not successful. For more information see the guidance form here: http://www.northayrshire.community/wp- content/uploads/sites/60/2018/06/community-investment-fund-guidance-notes-17-12-17.pdf
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APPLICATION FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE Community Investment Fund 1. Details of your organisation Name of Organisation: Dreghorn Bowling Club Postal Address for Correspondence: 88 Main Street .................................................................. Dreghorn .......................................................................... Ka11 4AA ......................................................................... Name of Contact Person: Jim McHarg ...................................................................... Position in Organisation: Past President / Property Manager .................................. Contact Telephone Number : …………………………………………………… E mail address ………………………… 1. Brief description of your organisation Please include - [a] Legal status, e.g. voluntary organisation, public/private limited by shares or guarantee; [b] How long has organisation been in existence? [c] Aims & objectives; [d] General activities or services provided; Dreghorn Bowling Club has been operating as volunteer-led, non-profit community organisation at the heart of Dreghorn since 1875 (151 years). Dreghorn Bowling Club is seeking £40,000 towards a £75,000–£80,000 project to expand and modernise its toilet facilities, creating a new ladies’ toilet, a fully accessible toilet and a larger gents’ toilet. This investment will double our current toilet capacity and remove barriers that currently prevent some people with disabilities or mobility challenges from fully accessing the club. The improved facilities will enable us to increase participation and expand our year-round community programmes. Alongside our existing work with the local primary school, we will be able to welcome more school pupils, youth groups and community organisations to take part in carpet bowling during the winter and lawn bowling during the summer. We also plan to increase opportunities for young people through expanded coaching sessions and new partnerships with local secondary schools. This project supports the ambition of creating a fairer community for all by ensuring local people can access inclusive, affordable opportunities to be active, socialise and improve their wellbeing. The new accessible toilet will allow people with disabilities and mobility challenges to participate with dignity and independence, while free coaching opportunities will help children and young people, particularly those from lower-income families, develop skills, confidence and social connections. • Improved and fully accessible facilities. • Increased participation in lawn and carpet bowling. • Greater engagement from schools, youth groups and community organisations. • Increased uptake of free coaching opportunities for young people. • Improved inclusion for people with disabilities and mobility challenges. • Increased volunteering, community involvement and social connection. The project will strengthen Dreghorn Bowling Club’s role as a safe, welcoming and inclusive community hub that promotes health, wellbeing and equality of opportunity for local people of all ages. Funding applications are also being submitted to the National Lottery Community Fund and Sport Scotland to secure the remaining project costs.
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3. Title and summary of proposal Tell us a bit about your idea. Please describe in as much detail as possible, what the funding will be used for. Please include where it will be held / delivered, who is your target audience, who will benefit from it and how and indicate any partners that are involved. Please include - [a] What outcomes your organisation wishes to achieve; [b] Is this a new service / project? [c] Does a new organisation need to be set up? Dreghorn Bowling Club is seeking £40,000 towards a £75,000–£80,000 project to expand and modernise its toilet facilities, creating a new ladies’ toilet, a fully accessible toilet and a larger gents’ toilet. This investment will double our current toilet capacity and remove barriers that currently prevent people with disabilities or mobility challenges from fully accessing the club and its activities. The improved facilities will enable us to increase participation and expand our year-round community programmes. Alongside our existing work with the local primary school, we will be able to welcome more school pupils, youth groups and community organisations to take part in carpet bowling during the winter and lawn bowling during the summer. We also plan to increase opportunities for young people through expanded coaching sessions and new partnerships with local secondary schools. 2 (a) Through this project, we aim to: • Improve accessibility and ensure all members of the community can participate with dignity and independence. • Increase participation in lawn bowling, carpet bowling and community activities. • Expand opportunities for children and young people to access free coaching and physical activity. • Improve physical and mental wellbeing through increased social interaction and active lifestyles. • Reduce barriers to participation for people with disabilities, mobility challenges and those experiencing financial hardship. • Strengthen community connections, volunteering and local engagement. • Support a fairer community by providing affordable, inclusive opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds. 2 (b) No. This project will build upon and enhance the activities and services already delivered by Dreghorn Bowling Club. The club currently provides bowling, coaching and community activities for local residents, schools and community groups. The proposed improvements will increase capacity, improve accessibility and enable more people to benefit from existing and expanded programmes. 2 © No. Dreghorn Bowling Club is an established, constituted non-profit community organisation and will be responsible for managing and delivering the project. No new organisation is required. • Improved and fully accessible toilet facilities. • Increased participation in sport and physical activity. • Greater engagement from schools, youth groups and community organisations. • Increased uptake of free coaching opportunities for children and young people. • Improved inclusion for people with disabilities and mobility challenges. • Increased volunteering, community involvement and social connection. The project will strengthen Dreghorn Bowling Club’s role as a safe, welcoming and inclusive community hub that promotes wellbeing, reduces inequalities and creates opportunities for local people to participate, connect and thrive. Funding applications are also being submitted to the National Lottery Community Fund and Sport Scotland to secure the remaining project costs.
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4. What difference will this project make within the locality and to local services and programmes? Please include - [a] How you will approach reducing inequality [b] How this proposal fits with Irvine’s priorities of: 1. Supporting Skills and work opportunities 2. Enhancing our mental health and wellbeing 3. Alleviating poverty 4. Championing Green Health and the Natural Environment This project will strengthen Dreghorn Bowling Club as an accessible, inclusive and affordable community asset, increasing opportunities for local residents to participate in sport, social activities and community life. By improving and expanding the club's toilet facilities, including the provision of a fully accessible toilet, we will remove barriers that currently prevent some people from taking part and enable more local groups, schools and organisations to use the facility throughout the year. The project will allow us to expand our existing programmes with schools, young people and community groups, creating more opportunities for people of all ages to connect, learn new skills, improve their wellbeing and participate in positive community activities. 2. (a) The project has a strong focus on inclusion and fairness. Improved accessibility will ensure that people with disabilities, mobility challenges and long-term health conditions can participate with dignity and independence. By increasing capacity and improving facilities, we will be able to welcome a wider range of users and reduce barriers to participation. (B) The club already provides free coaching opportunities for children and young people, and these improvements will allow us to expand this offer. This is particularly important for families experiencing financial hardship, as it provides access to free, local activities that support physical health, social connection and personal development without adding financial pressure. By ensuring everyone can access and benefit from the club's activities regardless of age, income, ability or background, the project will contribute to a fairer and more inclusive community. B1. Supporting Skills and Work Opportunities The project will create greater opportunities for young people to develop transferable skills such as teamwork, communication, leadership, commitment and confidence through coaching and volunteering opportunities. We will continue to work with local schools and aim to expand engagement with secondary school pupils and youth groups, helping young people build skills that support future education, training and employment pathways. B2. Enhancing Mental Health and Wellbeing Participation in sport and community activities has a positive impact on both physical and mental wellbeing. The club provides a welcoming environment where people can stay active, build friendships and reduce social isolation. Expanding access to the facility will enable more people to benefit from these opportunities, helping improve confidence, resilience and overall wellbeing. B3. Alleviating Poverty The club offers affordable, and often free, opportunities for recreation, learning and social connection within the local community. Expanding our facilities will increase access to these opportunities for children, young people and families, particularly those on lower incomes. By providing free local activities, we help reduce the financial barriers that can prevent participation in sport and community life. B4. Championing Green Health and the Natural Environment Bowling is an outdoor activity that encourages people to spend time in the fresh air, be physically active and connect with their local environment. Improved facilities will enable more residents, schools and community groups to access and enjoy the club's outdoor green space throughout the bowling season. By encouraging greater participation in outdoor recreation, the project supports healthier lifestyles and promotes the benefits of green health within the community.
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5. Please give an overview of the engagement that has taken place in relation to the project Please include the number of people that have been engaged with/ consulted Community Engagement Dreghorn Bowling Club is a well-established community organisation that engages a wide range of local residents, schools and community groups throughout the year. The club currently provides opportunities for participation in outdoor lawn bowling, indoor carpet bowling and a variety of social activities including bingo, dances, whist and first aid groups. The club works closely with the local primary school, delivering six-week coaching programmes for pupils and introducing children to the sport in a fun and supportive environment. We also work in partnership with Active Schools and other organisations to provide opportunities for young people with additional support needs, care-experienced young people, young people experiencing mental health challenges and New Scots groups. Each year, the club engages with approximately: • 80–100 bowling club members across all age groups. • 100+ primary school pupils through school coaching programmes. • 20–30 young people through junior coaching sessions held twice weekly during the season. • 30–50 participants from additional support needs, care-experienced and community groups. • Hundreds of local residents who attend community activities and social events throughout the year. Engagement with members, participants and partner organisations has consistently highlighted the need for improved and accessible toilet facilities. Current facilities limit the number and diversity of groups that can comfortably use the club and create barriers for people with disabilities and mobility challenges. The proposed improvements respond directly to this identified need and will enable the club to increase participation, expand partnerships with schools and youth groups, and ensure that everyone can access activities in a safe, welcoming and dignified environment. The project will benefit existing users while creating opportunities to engage many more residents, helping to strengthen community connections, improve wellbeing and support a fairer and more inclusive Irvine locality.
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6. Please tell us how the project will be managed Please include - [a] How the finances will be managed [b] Does the proposed project contribute to volunteering or employment opportunities in Irvine? Please include the number of volunteering opportunities and employment opportunities [c] If there are any staff requirements, please outline your HR plans [d] Is there evidence of partnership working in relation to the project within Irvine locality? Project Management Dreghorn Bowling Club will be responsible for the overall management and delivery of the project through its elected Management Committee, which has experience overseeing the club's operations, finances and maintenance projects. The committee will work closely with appointed contractors, funding partners and relevant statutory bodies to ensure the project is delivered on time, within budget and in line with all regulatory requirements. [a] How the Finances Will Be Managed The club has a dedicated Treasurer who is responsible for overseeing all financial matters and reporting to the Management Committee. All grant funding will be held within the club's bank account and managed in accordance with the club's financial procedures. Expenditure will be monitored and approved by the Management Committee, with contractor quotations obtained and reviewed to ensure best value. Detailed financial records, invoices and receipts will be maintained throughout the project, and all funders' monitoring and reporting requirements will be met. Regular budget reviews will be undertaken to ensure effective financial management and accountability. [b] Contribution to Volunteering and Employment Opportunities The project will support and expand volunteering opportunities within the Irvine locality. Improved facilities will enable the club to increase participation and deliver additional coaching and community activities, creating more opportunities for local people to become involved as volunteers. We anticipate the project will support: 5–10 volunteer opportunities through coaching, event support, committee roles, maintenance and community engagement activities. Increased volunteering opportunities for young people seeking experience, skills development and community involvement. The project itself is not expected to create any permanent employment posts. However, local contractors and tradespeople will be engaged during the construction phase, providing short-term employment and economic benefits within the local area. [c] Staff Requirements and HR Plans No additional staff will be required as a result of this project. The club is volunteer-led and has the capacity and governance arrangements in place to manage the project through its existing committee structure. Should any future staffing requirements arise as a result of expanded activities, appropriate recruitment, induction, safeguarding and employment procedures would be followed in line with current legislation and good practice. [d] Evidence of Partnership Working Within Irvine Locality Dreghorn Bowling Club has an established track record of partnership working within the Irvine locality and works with a range of schools, community organisations and public sector partners. Current partnerships include: • Local Primary School, through six-week coaching programmes for pupils. • Active Schools, supporting participation opportunities for children and young people. • Community groups supporting young people with additional support needs, care-experienced young people, young people experiencing mental health challenges and New Scots communities. • Local community organisations that utilise the club's facilities for social and recreational activities. The proposed improvements have been identified through ongoing engagement with members, users and partner organisations, who have highlighted the need for increased capacity and accessible facilities. The project will strengthen existing partnerships and create opportunities to develop new relationships with local secondary schools, youth organisations and community groups, enabling more people across Irvine locality to access the club and benefit from its activities. Through effective governance, sound financial management, strong partnership working and volunteer involvement, the project will deliver a sustainable improvement to a valued community asset, increasing opportunities for participation, inclusion and wellbeing across the Irvine locality.
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7. Amount of funding being requested Please supply details of the amount of funding being requested and any other funding you have had over the past 5 years, both financially and ‘in kind’. Amount of funding requested: £40,000 Please include detail on - [a] Breakdown of costs if available; [b] Recent quotations where appropriate Please see attached breakdown of costs & quotes 8. Monitoring and evaluation process Please include detail on – [a] What monitoring and evaluation processes are planned/ in place Dreghorn Bowling Club has proportionate monitoring and evaluation arrangements in place to ensure the project is delivered successfully and achieves the intended outcomes for the local community. [a] Planned Monitoring and Evaluation Processes The Management Committee will oversee ongoing monitoring of the project from commencement through to completion. Progress will be reviewed regularly against agreed milestones, timescales and budgets to ensure the project remains on track. The club will monitor and evaluate the impact of the project through: • Project delivery monitoring, including tracking construction progress, expenditure against budget and achievement of agreed outputs. • Participation monitoring, recording the number of club members, coaching participants, school pupils, volunteers and community groups using the facility before and after the improvements. • Accessibility monitoring, measuring increased participation from people with disabilities, mobility challenges and groups previously unable to fully access the facilities. • User feedback, gathered through surveys, informal discussions, testimonials and feedback from partner organisations, schools, members and community groups. • Volunteer monitoring, tracking the number of volunteers involved and the opportunities created through expanded activities. • Partnership engagement monitoring, recording the number of schools, youth groups and community organisations accessing the club and participating in programmes. Success will be measured against the following indicators: • Completion of the toilet upgrade project within budget and agreed timescales. • Increased capacity and improved accessibility of facilities. • Increased participation in lawn bowling, carpet bowling and community activities. • Increased numbers of children and young people accessing free coaching opportunities. • Increased use of the facility by schools, youth groups and community organisations. • Increased participation by people with disabilities and mobility challenges. • Growth in volunteering and wider community involvement. The findings will be reviewed by the Management Committee and shared with funders through progress reports and end-of-project evaluations. This information will help the club demonstrate impact, identify areas for improvement and support the long-term sustainability and development of services for the local community.