Taunton charity boules tournament raises over £3,000

Summerfield welcomed more than 160 people from South West businesses to its annual charity boules tournament at Taunton Deane Cricket Club.

The beloved competition, now in its 13th year, is in aid of the Summerfield Force for Good Fund.

It provides an opportunity for individuals to play the French sport of boules, similar to lawn bowls, while networking and supporting a charitable fund.

This year, the fund is supporting the Somerset Community Foundation.

40 teams gathered at the cricket club, armed with their boules sets, for a knock-out tournament.

The finals saw teams from Robert Cooney, Porter Dodson, Wilkie May & Tuckwood, and Risdons competing for the top spots.

Robert Cooney was victorious in The Cup competition, while Risdons Solicitors triumphed in The Plate competition.

There was also a prize for the best fancy dress, which was awarded to Fairhursts’ team.

The wooden spoon for last place was taken by The Boule Belles from Morledge & Co, with The DC team from Devon Contractors narrowly missing out.

It raised £2,300 from the participating businesses, which Summerfield topped up to make a total donation of £3,300 to its Force for Good Fund.

(Image: Summerfield)

James Holyday, group managing director for Summerfield, said: "Despite the showers amongst the sunshine, this event was our best one yet with a fantastic sum of money raised for a great cause.

"I would like to thank everyone for supporting the event and to the whole team involved in ensuring it happens every year.

"As a result, we have been able to raise over £30,000 since 2011, which is incredible."

The Somerset Community Foundation, established in 2002, has awarded more than £25m in grants to charities, community groups, and social enterprises that have transformed countless lives in the county.

The charity provides over £4m of funding for a wide range of local causes every year, in partnership with supporters like Summerfield.

Justin Sargent, CEO of Somerset Community Foundation, said: "We’re extremely grateful to Summerfield and the teams once again.

"The funding raised from this event goes a long way in supporting local groups and charities working in the heart of our neighbourhoods.

"The boules competition is always such good fun and it’s great to be working alongside the local business community and highlight the important work we do in partnership with Summerfield to make a difference to our communities here in Somerset."