HBOS rises to the challenge in Wrexham

More than 40 employees from Bank of Scotland Corporate in Chester, part of the HBOS group, have been working with Business in the Community to give Gwenfro Junior School’s playground a much needed makeover.

The team challenge was an excellent way for us to work together as a team away from the office environment, while at the same time supporting a really worthwhile local community initiative.

In conjunction with Cares, Business in the Community’s employee volunteering initiative,  HBOS staff worked tirelessly to create child sized benches in the playground, flower boxes to fill with brightly coloured flowers and a beastie area so that the children can observe the local creepy crawlies. The team also marked out a five a side football pitch and redecorated the school's Adult Centre.

The challenge tasks to brighten up the play areas were put together by the elected school council who represent the views of the pupils. 

The shady areas were a particular priority with the HBOS team reversing some of the damage caused by last year’s storms.

Jan Ashby, Head teacher at Gwenfro Junior School added: “The support we have received from HBOS has been fantastic. 
The team has transformed what was a dull, uninviting area into a colorful, comfortable and eco friendly space.  The teams have also given the rooms to be used for family learning, music and cookery a complete makeover and all in two days.  What a team!”

Thank you HBOS, from all at Gwenfro CP.

Collaborative action

Owen Evans, Director, Business in the Community Wales said: “Collaborative action between business and community is key to the success of team challenges.” 

“As well as benefiting Gwenfro Junior School, this particular challenge has provided an excellent opportunity for HBOS to develop team building, improve staff morale, motivation and personal development and is an example of the value business can bring to their local communities.”

Support for the team challenge was also received from a number of local companies and HBOS would especially like to express their sincere thanks to North Wales Police and Community Trust, Homebase Wrexham, Brandon Tool Hire, Burnt Tree Vehicle Solutions, Protech, Morreys Nursery, Grovenor Garden Centre, Wrexham Football Club, Caia Park Communities First, Wrexham Probation Service, Flintshire Steel and Thorncliffe Building Supplies.