But Nationwide wanted to offer even more than a donation and arranged to bring a group of volunteers to come and give the vans and the equipment a thorough clean and tidy before the busy summer season.  Five volunteers from the Gloucester, Cheltenham and Cirencester branches came to meet us at Robinswood Hill on Wednesday 8th July and did a wonderful job of cleaning the vans; they then had lunch and chatted with PG staff to find out more about the work Play Gloucestershire does.

Branch Manager, Nick Craddock, commented, ‘All of my team really enjoyed the opportunity to get out of the branch and do something tangible for a worthwhile charity. Although hard work, it was great to hear in detail what Play Gloucestershire did and in particular to get to talk to the Play Rangers. That and seeing the amount of “stuff” you have in the vans gave us a real idea of what you’re all about. It was fab.’

‘With regard to the Van refurbs we were delighted that Play Glos was chosen out of all the nominated charities to receive the grant. This is a tough process as charities apply to Nationwide for the grant by completing an application. The criteria for consideration are quite tough; we then choose from all of those applications who wins. Happily it was Play Gloucestershire which is special for us as we are building an ever closer relationship with you. The grant really helps us support something in our local community. We support Play Gloucestershire because of the great work they do in local communities for children.’

We would like to say a big Thank You to everyone at Nationwide for all their hard work and for their continuing support.