<p>The Barnes One World Link (BOWL) was founded by Bridget Andrews in 1982 after witnessing poverty in India.The organisation raised over 45,000 pounds to fund projects in India and Africa.<br /><br />No specific reason was given for closing the organisation, but it said: "Barnes One World Link was started 28 years ago. Looking back we are pleased with what the group has done.<br /><br />Sadly though we have decided that now is the time to close BOWL – we have no outstanding commitments with our link partners and we have all grown older. It seems the right time."<br /><br />Andrews, 77, said: "The idea first came to me on a visit to India and seeing the degree of poverty. India was much more poor in those days than now. I don't think you can go without being struck by poverty but also the great dignity and resilience of the people - I felt struck by it - and then you sort of realise how well off you are.<br /><br />I felt powerless to help in a constructive way so I said I would do something when I got back to Britain rather than giving out a few pennies." She said the organisation had inspired people and many were finding it hard to finally give up.<br /><br />Many volunteers paid for their on flights while travelling to implement the organisation’s projects.<br /><br />Andrews said: "It seems a pity to just give up totally but we will keep in touch anyway and you never know what may happen - a few of us may even join another charitable organisation."<br /><br />BOWL worked closely with Indian organisations such as Auroville Village Action group in Tamil Nadu, Action Village India and the East Sheen Chenganneur Trust.<br /><br />The organisation's philosophy has been: "If we really want to live in one world we have to get to know our neighbours and learn to share their hopes and problems."<br /><br />Andrews said: "[Being part of BOWL] has made the world seem very small and the problems very real.<br /><br />You so often feel powerless and world projects seem too big but if you take on small areas you can do something." Bowl had its official winding down party in April and stopped work as a charity last month.</p>
<p>The Barnes One World Link (BOWL) was founded by Bridget Andrews in 1982 after witnessing poverty in India.The organisation raised over 45,000 pounds to fund projects in India and Africa.<br /><br />No specific reason was given for closing the organisation, but it said: "Barnes One World Link was started 28 years ago. Looking back we are pleased with what the group has done.<br /><br />Sadly though we have decided that now is the time to close BOWL – we have no outstanding commitments with our link partners and we have all grown older. It seems the right time."<br /><br />Andrews, 77, said: "The idea first came to me on a visit to India and seeing the degree of poverty. India was much more poor in those days than now. I don't think you can go without being struck by poverty but also the great dignity and resilience of the people - I felt struck by it - and then you sort of realise how well off you are.<br /><br />I felt powerless to help in a constructive way so I said I would do something when I got back to Britain rather than giving out a few pennies." She said the organisation had inspired people and many were finding it hard to finally give up.<br /><br />Many volunteers paid for their on flights while travelling to implement the organisation’s projects.<br /><br />Andrews said: "It seems a pity to just give up totally but we will keep in touch anyway and you never know what may happen - a few of us may even join another charitable organisation."<br /><br />BOWL worked closely with Indian organisations such as Auroville Village Action group in Tamil Nadu, Action Village India and the East Sheen Chenganneur Trust.<br /><br />The organisation's philosophy has been: "If we really want to live in one world we have to get to know our neighbours and learn to share their hopes and problems."<br /><br />Andrews said: "[Being part of BOWL] has made the world seem very small and the problems very real.<br /><br />You so often feel powerless and world projects seem too big but if you take on small areas you can do something." Bowl had its official winding down party in April and stopped work as a charity last month.</p>