Housebuilder Marks VE Day At South West Developments
Barratt Developments in marking this year’s VE Day commemorations by installing Tommy figures at show home gardens at many of its developments across the South West of England, and making a significant donation to the Tommy Club charity.
The Tommy Club is a membership organisation with all money raised going to help veterans of all ages to gain independence and overcome challenges including mental and physical disability. Barratt Homes has donated £100,000 and has purchased 300 full size Tommy figures.
Each garden Tommy is put together by veterans working for the RBLI's unique social enterprise; Britain's Bravest Manufacturing Company, which creates more jobs for ex-armed forces personnel and raises crucial funds for the charity. The RBLI has been providing jobs, homes, and mental health support for ex-services personnel throughout the worst of the current pandemic.
Among those taking part is site manager and ex-Royal Engineer Chris Spencer, who is managing the construction at Braid Park, Tiverton. He served for 11 years in the Royal Engineer's Counter IED taskforce, including in Iraq and Afghanistan. He began working for Barratt Homes five years ago under the company's Armed Forces Transition Programme. He will be joined by assistant site manager Ben Trussler, who served for 20 years in the Royal Engineers, completing tours in Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan. Ben is due to take over the management of Braid Park's construction from Chris at the end of this week, having completed his three-year training under the same programme.
Spencer said: “It's a real honour to be able to put the Tommy figure in pride of place in our show home garden at Braid Park and to see them going into our developments across Devon and the South West. I've been very fortunate to start a new career with Barratt Developments after leaving the army five years ago, but it's not always an easy transition for everyone. The RBLI does fantastic work improving the lives of people who have given so much and we're proud to be able to support their work.”
Among the Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes developments mark the day are:
Devon
- Tarka Ridge, Barnstaple - 135 two-, three- and four-bedroom homes set in Yelland with beautiful views over the Taw-Torridge Estuary, allotments and close to the Tarka Trail
- Raleigh Holt, Barnstaple – 86 two-, three- and four-bedroom homes within walking distance of Barnstaple town centre and surrounded by Devon countryside
- Embden Grange, Tavistock - 110 two-, three-, four-and five-bedroom homes with views over the Dartmoor countryside
- Berry Acres, Paignton – 192 two-, three- and four-bedroom homes to the west of Paignton. Wildlife-rich with plenty of open space and a play area, with easy access to the beach
Wiltshire
- Canalside @ Wichelstowe, Swindon - 208 one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom homes from Barratt Homes David Wilson Homes, the first phase in a landmark new community alongside the Wilts and Berks canal
- Birds Marsh View, Chippenham - 436 one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom homes in the first phase, with more to follow, from Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes
- Hunters Wood, Melksham - 225 two-, three- and four-bedroom homes from David Wilson Homes
- Mill Brook, Westbury - 200 two-, three- and four-bedroom homes from Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes
Somerset
- Blackdown Heights, Chard, Barratt Homes
- Coat Grove, Martock, Barratt Homes
- Elworthy Place, Wiveliscombe, Barratt Homes
- Nerrols Grange, Taunton from Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes
- Northwalls Grange, Taunton
- Patch Meadows, Somerton, David Wilson Homes
- Moorland Gate, Bishops Lydeard, Taunton, David Wilson Homes
Nicki Reid, sales director at Barratt David Wilson Homes in Cornwall said: “We're incredibly proud to be the first corporate sponsor of the Tommy Club. We have been really moved and impressed by the amazing work the RBLI does supporting ex-services personnel and their families. This is a cause we know is important to lots of our staff, many of whom have proud military careers themselves, and to our home buyers. These impressive Tommy figures will not only act as a reminder of the debt of gratitude we owe to our veterans, but also highlight the great work the charity does.”
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