Member Article

Construction director sold to the highest bidder for charity auction

Construction director Gareth Neale has swapped his desk for a high vis jacket and a hard hat in order to raise money for a worthy cause this month.

David Wilson Homes runs an annual auction to raise money for their chosen charity of the year, and for the second year running Gareth offered his services for the day. Bidders were keen to see the director getting his hands dirty and pulled out all the stops to raise money for the housebuilder’s chosen charity, Off The Record (OTR).

Staff from local groundworks firm Conlon shelled out an incredible £3,000 to see him pick up his tools and get involved with the construction team onsite at Wichelstowe. Managing director Dermot Conlon said: “The team really enjoyed the novelty of telling Gareth what to do and having an extra pair of hands around. When we heard about the auction we jumped at the chance to raise some money for a charity that provides great support for young people. We’re looking forward to next year’s auction already!”

Gareth said: “I started my own career working on construction sites and it’s great to get out with the people on the development. The Conlon team made sure they got their money’s worth from me laying bricks to pouring concrete, but I genuinely enjoyed every minute. I’m shocked at how much was paid for my services but it’s great to know that young people will benefit. Conlon do great work with young people themselves, as they are avid believers of developing youngsters who want to get into the industry, in and around the Swindon area.”

“David Wilson Homes and Conlon are active supporters of the apprentice scheme, and as well as getting involved in the construction work, I really enjoy being on site and talking to the young people at the very start of their careers, just like I did many years ago. The whole day was a really fulfilling experience.”

Auctioning off Gareth’s groundwork skills formed part of a huge fundraiser by David Wilson Homes which raised a whopping £37,000 for Bristol and Gloucestershire-based charity, OTR.

Charity chief executive Karen Black said: “We were absolutely blown away by the money raised by the David Wilson Homes auction, and we’re so grateful to companies like Conlon and the donations they make. These funds will ensure we can continue our vital services to support young people and enable them to build their own networks too.”

OTR is a mental health charity run by and for young people living in Bristol and South Gloucestershire. It provides a free, confidential service that supports people aged 11-25, as well as being a social movement that promotes and defends the mental health, rights and social position of young people.

Wichelstowe is being delivered by a joint venture company which is a 50:50 partnership between Swindon Borough Council and Barratt Developments plc. Over the next 20 years, the Wichelstowe Joint Venture will deliver around 3,000 new homes on a 250-hectare area of land. Wichelstowe, which will have an extensive area of open space featuring playing pitches, allotments and nature conservation, will include three primary schools and a secondary school.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by David Wilson Homes South West .