What A Transformation!
Well, what a year! First of all, we want to thank all our wonderful visitors and friends attending our various sessions. Lots of memories were created whilst having so much fun.
However, as the summer sun shone it was evident that lots of toys had been bashed against our walls and the garden was a wee bit overgrown. In fact, we needed a complete makeover. We all pondered how this would be possible as all our wonderful volunteers and staff already had numerous jobs allocated! Well, our Vice Chair Lesley Fraser very kindly contacted Age UK Volunteer Co-Ordinator Lesley Conner. Within days. I am pleased to report that Lesley Connor had found 6 volunteers from United Response and 2 volunteers from THT, who were more than willing to help with our transformation.
After visiting numerous DIY stores and prepping the areas the day had finally arrived. Tom from THT rocked up in his white t shirt. He was dressed so immaculately that I was quite apprehensive on suggesting he painted the ceiling. However, Tom was up for the challenge. He set about painting not only the ceiling but the walls too and he even reorganised the furniture! He was so enthusiastic that he didn’t even stop for lunch. Tom has promised to return in the future hopefully with some of his work colleagues.
Next to arrive was the United Response team. They couldn’t have been more eager to help.
Julie, Stephen and Alice took on the mammoth job of renovating the front garden. The first job was to clear and reorganise the area. Then they painted the garden shed and fencing. Next, they trimmed the bushes and weeded the garden. To complete the transformation Julie created a quirky flower display.
Amy used her artistic skills to brilliantly renovate the large outdoor Toy House sign. She also assisted in the garden makeover.
Jack took charge of painting the Lorraine’s room. He was an absolute whizz with the roller and made sure the job was done correctly. We later found out that he had learnt his skills from his Grandad who was a painter and decorator.
Eddie with his 6ft 4ins height made him extremely popular member of the team especially as we are all around 5 feet tall. Eddie helped with the painting, reorganising the furniture and any jobs that normally require a step ladder.
John from THT came along. He had so many skills and tools which we certainly put to good use. He then concentrated mainly on the rear garden by relaying part of the block paving, hanging garden displays and weeding the gardens. He was so eager to help and wasn’t put off by the endless list of jobs. He has even promised to come back another day.
As the saying goes, ‘many hands make light work’ and that was certainly true. What was great was that each and everyone of the volunteers came with a smile and a willingness to make a difference.
The Toy House would like to say a number of thankyous’ firstly to Lesley Connor for helping us achieve our dream, to THT and United Response for allowing members of your staff to help us out. Finally, to all the volunteers involved in the makeover, you were all amazing and a credit to your company!