Redrow helps cement success of children’s gala

Wed, Jul 12th 2006, 11:00

The sun shone and thousands of children came out to fill the streets of Dunfermline with a supporting cast of 15 bands and a range of entertainment acts.

Award winning house builder Redrow was delighted to sponsor this year’s Dunfermline Children’s Gala as part of its ongoing commitment to supporting the communities in which it builds.

John MacCallum, planning manager for Redrow Homes (Scotland), pictured left-right with Robbie Beattie, chairman of the Gala committee, Willie Rennie, MP for Dunfermline and West Fife and children from Touch Primary School, said: “The Children’s Gala is a century-old tradition in Dunfermline and we were delighted to support it this year and help keep that tradition alive. It was a fantastic day, enjoyed by thousands, and we were thrilled to be a part of it.”

Redrow’s contribution kept the gala on track in its 103rd year and also paid for baseball caps and duffle style picnic bags for the 3,000 children taking part in the parade.

Redrow is a familiar name in Dunfermline thanks to its Masterton Park development on the edge of the town, which features a high proportion of family homes.

John adds: “Far from being just a house builder Redrow is committed to creating new communities and enhancing the ones in which it builds. We have been awarded the Business in the Community % Standard for three consecutive years for giving at least one percent of our pre tax profits back to the community through cash donations, sponsorship, employee time and gifts in kind.

“Much of this activity relates to children and education. For example we have developed an online learning resource called the Redrow Learning Web, with modules for primary and secondary school children; and we have our very own health and safety mascot Buster the Bear, who helps educate youngsters about the potential dangers of playing on buildings sites. Therefore the Dunfermline Children’s Gala fitted very well into our programme of community based activity.”

Among those enjoying the sunshine and the annual spectacle of 3,000 children parading through the streets of Dunfermline, this year led by special guests from HM Royal Marine Band, was the Lib Dem MP for Dunfermline & West Fife, Willie Rennie. He comments: "It was great to see the broad smiles and colourful costumes and hear the joyful laughter. Dunfermline's children had a fun day. I pay tribute to the organisers who must have put in a huge effort for many months. With a changing and evolving city it was fantastic to see such a coming together."

Chairman of the Dunfermline Children’s Gala committee, Robbie Beattie was delighted with the turn out for this year’s event, saying: “You know you have done something right when entertainment that has been brought in from London and Glasgow and been around the world comments on the scale of the gala, how well it went and ask can they be involved again next year. By far this has been the best gala day I have been involved in.”

Robbie continued “This year we had three guests of honour with Catherine Stihler MEP, Willie Rennie MP and Councillor Pat Callaghan of Fife Council all taking part, who, thanks to Redrow, saw a magnificent show.”

In addition to helping local events like the Dunfermline Children’s Gala to thrive, nationally Redrow has just launched the Redrow Foundation, a charitable trust aimed at providing accommodation and related assistance - including respite care - for children in need, the elderly, the sick or infirm.

Redrow has donated an initial sum of £100,000, and will give £50 from every legal completion secured in Scotland, Wales and England, equating to a total annual contribution of circa £250,000, with charities that meet the criteria invited to apply for funds. The first donation of £2,500 was recently made to Childline Scotland.

Details of Redrow’s new homes – including those at Masterton Park – and its community activities can be found online at www.redrow.co.uk. Charities that meet the criteria and wish to apply for funds from the Redrow Foundation should email: foundation@redrow.co.uk