Staff from Barclays Wealth have been working with Bunscoill Ghaelgagh, the Manx language primary school, to give its playground a makeover before the start of the new term. The work has been undertaken as part of the Barclays Wealth ‘Make a Difference’ initiative. In addition to the regular volunteering activities which Barclays Wealth staff undertake each year, in November there is a special focus period called ‘Make a Difference Day’ which unites staff across the world in supporting local charities. The Manx autumnal weather was kind to the group of eight staff members who worked tirelessly throughout the day to install a painted boat filled with herbs and flowers and sand and paint eight benches and a picnic table. In addition to the ?500 grant received from Barclays Wealth to undertake the work, the Isle of Man Charity Committee also donated ?500 which was put towards the purchase of a new Wendy house for the playground. As well as the plants and paint the grant was used to buy a large amount of timber to construct storage for the playground and make the outdoor metal staircase safe for the children. Steph Morrell, Business Relationship Manager at Barclays Wealth said: ‘It was fantastic for us to get out and really make a difference to Bunscoill Ghaelgagh’s playground. We were helped on the day by Headteacher, Julie Matthews and one of the children’s parents who constructed the store and stairway cover for which we are very grateful. I would also like to thanks Macs, Allanson’s Nursery, Ashcrofts and Island Landscaping who all very kindly gave generous discounts which meant that we were able to complete the work within budget. We all felt that we had made a big difference to the school and we hope that the children really enjoy their much improved playground.’ Headteacher Julie Matthews said: ‘I would like to say a great big thank you to all the workers who came out during our half term and made a big difference in our playground. The children all noticed as soon as they were back in school. We are planning on planting some daffodils into the empty boxed with some of the children to give some beautiful colour in the spring.’ Image caption: The Barclays Team at Bunscoill Ghaelgagh from left to right, Adrian Marsh, Louise Jones, Colin and Henry Freeman, Steph Morrell, Alexandra Hall, Lynne Ralph, and Bob Le Page. ENDS