Local MP visits the Club

We were delighted to be able to meet Dr Julian Lewis and members of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Community Foundation at the field. They were introduced to our club and we were to be able to thank our Community Foundation for their support. We explained that we had been in desperate need to replace our old lawn mower which we used regularly to cut the grass in our field, and were encouraged to apply for a Grassroots grant. It was a simple application and the Foundation turned our grant around very quickly – we now have a shiny new sit-on mower that will get the job done for many years to come.

Before the group left Dr Julian Lewis was given the opportunity to test his archery skills but professed it was quite difficult he said "It was great to meet the Bowmen and women who all made it look very easy but it proved to be a lot harder" he added later "I really enjoyed the morning, meeting these committed people who are looking after each other and helping to build a strong community spirit – they volunteer on the frontline and achieve so much with so little"

Tom Floyd, Chairman of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Community Foundation, added: "This was a wonderful opportunity to meet some of the groups we have supported and see how the Grassroots money has been spent" he added " We have now built a fund of more than £3 million on behalf of 30 Fund holders which will be here to support groups and small charities for generations to come"

All donations set-up in an endowment fund before the end of March 2011 will be match funded £1 for £1 by the Grassroots Endowment Challenge.