A chance conversation has led to a transformation taking place at Radstock Children’s Centre, helped in part by adults who once played there as children.
Journal Editor, Becky Brooks, visited the centre last month to cover the story of two local mums, who had helped to raise money for the facility and plan to do more in future to enable the well used Children’s Centre to benefit. A few days later, Becky was photographing staff at Tesco, who will be taking part in the Race for Life shortly for Cancer Research and was speaking with Community Champion, Beckie Eschle. As part of her role at the store, Beckie has been looking for local causes for herself and staff members to help with – with The Journal’s Becky connecting the two together.
Last week, five members of the local Tesco staff gave up their time to help redecorate the main hall at the Children’s Centre, which has been used over the years by various different groups, but will now be a dedicated space for the very young children that use it. Jed Parsons, Radstock Children’s Centre Co-ordinator, said: “This room has always had multiple uses, so we could never put up the children’s artwork, as there might be teenagers playing basketball later that day – now, we will be able to have a dedicated space for arts and crafts, special themed activities, a children and baby area and bookstart corner.”
The room, which was once dark and tired, is now pristinely painted and much lighter and brighter. The changes have also spurred on the staff at the Children’s Centre to organise further improvements, with new flooring going in and the old furniture being replaced.
Tesco Service Manager, Ian Seymour, signed himself up for the decorating, not knowing until the day that he would be helping his old Children’s Centre, where he was once pictured in the local press taking part in a wheelbarrow race. His colleague, Tina Welsman, who also helped on the day, used to use the Youth Club in Radstock, too. They were also helped by fellow staff members, Ben Collier, Ryan Gould, Zoe Dolman and Beckie Eschle. Speaking about the effort, Beckie said: “Everyone has really enjoyed working on this project and put their all into it – the space is so much lighter and brighter and today has been really rewarding. I can’t believe we have managed so much in just one day. There are around 300 staff at the local Tesco store who might be able to help on a local project – up next is Paulton Hospital, as we are returning to help them with their garden space.”
“All of the staff are really excited about the changes,” added Jed. “This will be an improved space for children to come and play in, and the whole atmosphere will be calming and more welcoming for parents. The Children’s Centre is widely used by many different groups. The NCT use it regularly, we have a children’s group and crèche, play and explore time, social care contact groups, and we also offer a place for parents who need help and advice, or for mothers suffering from post-natal depression. The centre is really used in a multi-functional way.”
Now that the Tesco team have packed up their paintbrushes, the Children’s Centre is looking for any local painter/decorators who might volunteer to help complete the high ceilings, which have been marked over the years by many a ball, and/or electricians who may be able to give up their time to help with the lighting. There are also chairs, basketball hoops and blackboards that are in need of a new home. If anyone can help or would like to find out more, please contact: 01225 396660 or email: [email protected]