SUMMERFIELD, the Taunton based development company, welcomed 40 businesses from across the south west to its annual boules tournament at Taunton Deane Cricket Club in aid of its Summerfield Force for Good Fund.
Now in its 12th year, the tournament is an opportunity for guests to play the popular and easily learned sport of boules, similar to lawn bowls, to network and to contribute to a charitable fund which this year is supporting the Somerset Community Foundation.
Around 170 people converged on the cricket club, where Summerfield is a sponsor, armed with their boules sets and ready for a bit of friendly competition in the knock out tournament. The finals saw teams from Ashfords LLP, Wilkie May & Tuckwood, Clarke Wilmott and Moore Scarrott playing for their place, with ‘Ashfords Rollers’ winning The Cup competition and Clarke Willmott winning The Plate competition.
There was also a prize for the best fancy dress which went to Stantec UK’s ‘Incredibowls’ team, with the wooden spoon being taken by the ‘The Meekies’ from Angus Meek and ‘The Chamber Pots’ team from Taunton Chamber of Commerce just missing out on the spoon for last place.
The event raised £2,500 from the businesses participating, which Summerfield topped up to make a total donation of £3,000 to its Force for Good Fund, administered by the Somerset Community Foundation.
Commenting on the day, James Holyday, Managing Director for Summerfield said: “Yet again we are grateful to our clients, suppliers and colleagues who made the day possible and all those who joined us in the sunshine this year. We know how much the teams look forward to our annual boules competition. Not only is it a good opportunity to network in a relaxed and fun environment, but we are also able to raise funds for such a good cause with our Summerfield Force For Good Fund.”
Since it was founded in 2002, Somerset Community Foundation has awarded more than £20m in grants to charities, community groups and social enterprises that have changed the lives of thousands in the county. The charity provides around £5 million of funding for a wide range of local causes every year in partnership with valued supporters like Summerfield.
Fiona Foster from Somerset Community Foundation said: “We’re extremely grateful to Summerfield and their guests, because we know the difference fundraising events such as this boules competition can make in our local communities. It‘s a great opportunity to have some fun, meet others and to be able to highlight the important work we do in partnership with Summerfield. I’m really looking forward to returning next year to share some stories from some of the passionate groups we’ve been able to support through our grant-making, and about the difference the generous donations have made to individual lives across the county. And to see if I am able to progress a little further with my boules ability!”
