Local business takes on Community Challenge

Over 180 pairs of hands cleaned, cleared, dug, swept, built, painted, plastered and planted – all for the benefit of local people and to enhance the community.

Employees from Yarlington Housing Group were all given a working day to go out into the community and work on projects that showed a benefit to those who lived there, and what a difference they made!

There were a variety of challenges that the eager workers took on across the whole week, including rubbish clearance and makeovers, all carefully selected to offer maximum impact for local people.

The projects were:

Fairmead School, Yeovil – a sensory garden was constructed on a piece of land that was covered in a thick concrete slab. This was removed before any work could commence. The teams then constructed a paved area with a water feature and a gazebo, raised beds for planting and a secluded seating area. Headteacher Diana Denman said "It was amazing what yarlington have achieved. I see this as a learning space for the children; they will get tremendous use from it as it offers many new opportunities. This sense of community involvement is fantastic. Thanks to everyone who worked so hard to get this done."

Chard Football Club – in desperate need of two new dugouts for the subs benches, the old ones were removed and new shelters constructed to meet the required standards. A wall that was in need of repair was re-plastered and repainted to complete the makeover.

Community Café, Bridgwater – a much used facility for local people, the café was in need of electrical work, storage facilities as well as a general brightening up of the decoration, both inside and out. The courageous crew took two days to transform the facilities, to the delight of Di Monaghan who runs the cafe who said "I was so emotional to see it all being completed. It was just alike a wedding, I was in tears."

Recycling days across the region – free skips and a free collection and disposal service were offered by the crews as they visited Southville and St Johns Road in Yeovil, Etsome Terrace in Somerton, The Mead in Ilminster and Woodhayes in Henstridge. Dozens of skips were filled with items to be recycled, and suitable clothing items will be sent to developing countries. Working in partnership with M&J Bowers Ltd on the recycling, project organiser Nadia Hockley said "We have received so many items for recycling, but some people have even taken goods from our event to use in their own home. That's recycling at its best."

The Yarlington Community bus was out and about all week at the events. Children from Birchfield School learned about recycling from 'Mrs Recycle' whilst at Fairmead the pupils got on board to make wind chimes for their sensory garden.

All money raised from the projects will go to Yarlington's staff charity of the year, the Yeovil Freewheelers.

Chief executive Gary Orr added "Yarlington employees have shown a true sense of community this week; it was real pleasure for us all.