Okehampton community groups benefit from nearly £10k in locally raised funding

Okehampton District Round Table has distributed nearly £10,000 to local clubs, schools, organisations and families following a year of fundraising activity.

The donations were presented at the group’s recent Charity Awards Evening and reflect money raised through community events, social activities and volunteering across Okehampton and the surrounding area.

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Among the largest contributions this year was £2,500 to Okehampton Rugby Club, which will support grassroots rugby and facilities for players of different ages. 

A further £1,000 was given to Exbourne Playing Fields to help improve an outdoor space used by the local community.

Funding was also awarded to a wide range of other groups, including: 

• Friends of North Tawton Primary School, 
• South Tawton PTFA, 
• Hatherleigh Football Club, 
• Hatherleigh PTFA, 
• Okehampton Hockey Club, 
• Okehampton Rugby Ladies, 
• Okehampton Football Club, 
• Okehampton Primary PTFA, 
• Okehampton College PTFA, 
• Okehampton Rugby Club Under 8s, 
• Okehampton College Band and the Mid Devon Explorer Scout Group. 

Together, these donations brought the total given to local good causes this year to just under £10,000.

In addition to direct financial support, Okehampton District Round Table provided more than 350 free swimming vouchers for use at Parklands Leisure Centre. 

Swimming vouchers were intended to help local families and residents access leisure facilities and encourage participation in physical activity.

Okehampton District Round Table also offered support to a family affected by sudden hardship after a member suffered a major stroke shortly after the birth of his baby. 

The support was provided during what the Round Table described as a difficult period for the family.

Chairman Chris Brown-Martin said the donations reflected the group’s focus on supporting opportunities for people of all ages. 

He said: “From sport and music to education and outdoor activities, these groups play an important role in bringing people together and supporting the wellbeing of the community.”

He added that the fundraising success relied on wider community support, saying: “It’s the help of volunteers, sponsors and local residents that allows us to raise these funds and give something back.”

The Okehampton District Round Table group is made up of men aged between 18 and 45. 

The group raises money for local causes through a programme of fundraising events and community activities held throughout the year.