Many hands take on a monster task (From Campaign Series)

Many hands take on a monster task

8:20am Sunday 14th June 2009

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A NURSERY school benefited from volunteer week when 20 helpers transformed their playground.

Gwent Association of Voluntary Organisations celebrates 25 years of helping voluntary groups by helping projects in Caerphilly, which included Twyn Nursery School.

GAVO representatives, Bev Mallett and Helen Heath helped to organise the events.

Bev said: "We wanted to celebrate GAVO's 25 years and decided to help the nursery school and Van Community Centre which we painted in the week."

The nursery had a complete revamp with a new feature of pipe tunnels, more allotment plants, and much more including a Loch Ness monster made with tyres.

A team of 20 volunteers from the community took part in the activities, which included construction, painting and gardening.

On Thursday Minister for Social Justice and Local Government, Dr Brian Gibbons, rolled his sleeves up to help volunteer when he visited the school.

Eco Forest School Leader, teacher Michael Lock said: "Without the volunteers taking part this would take us a long time or may not even get done. The idea for the tunnels etc is that the children can problem solve and learn outside. Twyn Nursery School had donations and help from Chris Page Landscapes Ltd, Hoskins and Johnson Estate Agents, Caerphilly Garden Centre, Caerphilly Parks Department, Yearsleys, Home Bargains, and numerous parents for helped and donated.

Speaking at the school, the Minister said that volunteers have an awful lot to offer their local communities.

He said: "I am always amazed at the contribution that volunteers make in Wales. Volunteering is an important expression of citizenship and is an essential component of democracy and society would not be able to function without the support of volunteers.

"Volunteering is as good for the volunteer in terms of what it brings; new skills, new friends, and valuable experiences; as it is for the people and organisations who receive their help.

"I would encourage everybody in Wales to follow the example of the volunteers here and get involved."

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