RBS staff brighten up local community centre

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Eight employees of the Royal Bank of Scotland made a major investment in the local community on Friday when they gave up their time and energy to redecorate a community centre in Shepherds Bush.

The RBS staff, who work at the bank’s commercial business centre in Hammersmith, joined with seven employees from the Park Royal Partnership to repaint the sports hall at Edward Woods community centre, Norland Road, so that groups and organisations that use the centre can benefit from a brighter, more welcoming environment.

The volunteers’ efforts were co-ordinated by the Hammersmith & Fulham Volunteer Centre, which regularly organises one-day volunteering ‘challenges’ for local businesses. The redecorating work began at 7.30am and, as well as using tools and equipment donated by their customers, the RBS and Park Royal staff borrowed two steel towers from HSS Hire to paint the upper sections of the hall walls, while the lemon-coloured Crown paint was donated by Builder Depot, a builders merchant with branches in Park Royal, Cricklewood and West Hampstead. The challenge was finally completed at 6.00pm.

Jacqueline Boyce, Edward Woods community centre manager, says: “Our hall is used by a number of groups, including the tenants and residents association, two youth clubs and an Agewell senior citizens group, so we felt that brightening it up would cheer up a lot of people on the estate. We asked for a pastel colour to give the hall a warm and sunny feel, and the volunteers kindly went to the trouble of getting that shade of paint for us. They have been very efficient and industrious, making sure that the paint and the towers were delivered on the day beforehand, and coming in early to get a good start on the painting, so we really couldn’t have asked for more. We’re very grateful to the Volunteer Centre for organising this challenge, as the redecoration work will make a huge difference to the people who use the centre.”

Paul Saward, commercial manager at Royal Bank of Scotland’s commercial business centre in Hammersmith and a volunteer on the day, says: "As the local Commercial Business Centre for the West London area we were delighted to have the opportunity to help redecorate the Edward Woods Community Centre. The day was hard work but immensely satisfying and gave us the opportunity to develop our teamwork, leadership and communication skills as well as appreciating the important role that the centre plays within the local community."

Marion Schumann, director of the Volunteer Centre, says: “On behalf of the Volunteer Centre I’d like to say a big thank you to the Royal Bank of Scotland, Park Royal Partnership and HSS Hire for taking part in this challenge. It’s our belief that people who participate in voluntary work not only benefit the local community but also benefit themselves, by meeting new people, gaining a sense of purpose and developing stronger bonds with their fellow volunteers. I do hope that any other local businesses or local residents who are interested in taking up volunteering will visit our centre at 148 King Street.”

Local residents and businesses can visit the Volunteer Centre at 148 King Street (entrance on Galena Road). Or contact the HFVC on 020 8741 9876.

October 16, 2005