Castle Cary rugby club receives £2,000 gym boost

By Laura Linham 29th Jul 2026

Local News by Laura Linham 1 hour ago

Castle Cary Rugby Football Club has moved closer to replacing its ageing gym equipment after receiving a £2,000 donation.

Persimmon Homes Severn Valley, which is building the Tor View housing development off Station Road, has contributed to the club's fundraising campaign.

It is the second time in two years that the developer has supported Castle Cary RFC.

The donation was presented at the club's ground, where representatives were joined by Somerset councillor Henry Hobhouse.

Established in 1888, Castle Cary RFC runs youth teams for children aged from four to 16 alongside its senior side.

The club is seeking financial support from local organisations and businesses because much of its current gym equipment is approaching the end of its usable life.

Greg Power, chairman of Castle Cary RFC, said: "We are so grateful to Persimmon for once again supporting us as a local sports club in Castle Cary, especially as we have a specific goal for our fundraising project that we are now nearer to accomplishing than before thanks to their donation."

The money was awarded through Persimmon's Community Champions programme, which distributes £700,000 to organisations and good causes across Britain each year.

Previous recipients in the area have included Caryford Community Hall, Toybox Preschool, the River Cam Flood App and Children's Hospice South West.

Persimmon began building at Tor View at the start of 2026. The development includes two, three and four-bedroom homes, as well as plans for a playground, public open space and active travel routes.

Carly Spear, sales director at Persimmon Homes Severn Valley, said: "We are very excited to have started work at Tor View, with our first plots now available for purchase in Castle Cary.

"As part of Persimmon's commitment to leaving a positive and lasting legacy wherever we build, we heard the calls for assistance from our friends at the rugby club and were delighted we could help them out in their fundraising quest.

"I would encourage other businesses that can to help the club so they can get the equipment they need to continue being a community club loved by those in and around the village."

Cllr Hobhouse said: "I want to thank Persimmon for showing their commitment to the community of Castle Cary with their support for the rugby club, something we have already seen before with other donations in the area. It is important that businesses like theirs continue to help local organisations where they build and it's a pleasure to see this in practice here."