Community

'Little Stars' Under 8 Rugby Team

The Watkin Property Ventures Community Fund has sponsored 'Little Stars', a local under-8 rugby team, with new team shirts.

Based at Bangor Rugby Club, Little Stars hopes to teach children discipline, respect, and teamwork through taking part and having fun. The club plays an important role in encouraging the community to participate in the sport, running rugby teams for children as young as three years old through to the national league level.

This latest sponsorship deal reflects the company's commitment to supporting projects that can benefit local communities. Mark Watkin Jones, Chief Executive of Watkin Property Ventures, said: "Little Stars, as well as Bangor Rugby Club, has proud roots here in the city – and we're pleased to be a part of that. Everyone should be able to participate in team sports, and we hope the team will benefit from our donation".

Jessica Arthur is one of the coaches for the Little Stars and a proud parent to one of their players, she added: "When the Watkin Property Ventures Community Fund agreed to support our team, we were very grateful. Not only will members be proud to wear their club's logo, but they will be equally proud to represent Watkin Property Ventures when they play their hearts out on the pitch week in and week out. As a team, we'd like to thank the company, Mark and Susan, for their generosity."

The Watkin Property Ventures Community Fund is keen to support the communities they are involved in, recognising that targeted funding can make a significant difference. The company has supported various charities and causes, including sports clubs, local schools, community gardens, food banks and mental health charities.

Bangor Rugby Club prides itself on being inclusive and welcoming to all members. If you would like to know more: https://www.bangor-rugby.co.uk/events

Cuddles announced as Watkin Property Ventures charity for 2024

North Wales based Watkin Property Ventures (WPV) has announced that its chosen staff charity for 2024 is Cuddles. The charity works with Ysbyty Glan Clwyd’s Neonatal Unit providing lifesaving equipment and support for families.

Staff were eager to help the work and dedication of the team at the Bodelwyddan hospital with their fundraising activities. The collaboration reflects WPV’s commitment to contribute towards the welfare of the local community.

Mark Watkin Jones, Chief Executive of WPV said: “We wanted to recognise the tireless efforts of Ysbyty Glan Clwyd’s Neonatal staff but also the fantastic work that the Cuddles volunteers do to support them. They deliver vital services to babies and families facing extraordinary challenges. As our chosen charity I hope we can make a difference and help raise awareness of the amazing work they do.”

As the designated charity, Cuddles will benefit from the fundraising activities of WPV staff throughout the year through various challenges and events.

Cuddles was set up in 1993 with its main mission to compliment the resources provided by the NHS, providing equipment and facilities to the unit so that staff can provide the best possible care for premature babies. Volunteers also give advice and support families as they face difficult first months with their premature babies.

Cuddles is funded entirely from public support, fundraising and donations and is run by volunteers.

Coed Mawr Food Bank Christmas Campaign 2023

🙌A heartfelt 'diolch' for Coed Mawr Food Bank Donations.

During the season of giving, Bangor residents showed real generosity by supporting local families with their donations to a community food bank campaign.

In December, Watkin Property Ventures was pleased to work with the Coed Mawr Food Bank to fundraise for families and community residents to gain access to food during the festive season. Watkin Property Ventures agreed to match every £1 raised - to ensure that donations went that bit further to support families in need.

Going beyond the target set, the food bank received a huge £2,620 in donations, which will now double to a total amount of £5,240 thanks to match funding. This helped provide local families with meal packages and essential supplies over Christmas.

Watkin Property Venture consistently supports causes across North Wales through their community fund programme. Mark Watkin-Jones, Chief Executive Officer, said: "I'm so proud to be part of the local community who raised much-needed funds for the Coed Mawr Food Bank. The commitment to supporting those who struggle to feed their families speaks volumes about the generosity and kindness of local people.

Christine King of the Coed Mawr Food Bank added: "The kind contributions from the community and Watkin Property Ventures helped us provide for over 60 families with food boxes and donations over Christmas. We have seen more and more local families coming to us, struggling to meet day to day costs – the festive season bringing even more pressure. We know that these are challenging times, so we are grateful for any donation no matter how small”.

Both Watkin Property Ventures and the Coed Mawr Food Bank are also grateful to Bangor Aye for their support in promoting the fund-raising campaign.

Launching the Coed Mawr Food Bank Christmas Campaign 2023

With escalating costs and increased demand for support, the Coed Mawr Food Bank launches its Christmas campaign today in cooperation with Watkin Property Ventures.

They aim to raise funds to provide additional supplies to local families struggling to put food on the table over Christmas. Through the campaign volunteers are appealing to Bangor residents and businesses to contribute what they can to ensure that families facing the prospect of going without have some certainty during the festive period.

Christine King from Coed Mawr Community Centre explains: “We are seeing more and more local families coming to us, struggling to meet day to day costs – and we all know that Christmas brings with it even more pressure. This is why it’s so important that we all come together to do what we can to help. We have set up a JustGiving page so that people can donate. We know that times are hard for everyone, so we are grateful for any donation no matter how small.

“We are so grateful to Watkin Property Ventures for their support – it makes all the difference and means that we can help more people in need. We have run a campaign like this for several years and have seen for ourselves the difference it can make over what can be a difficult time especially if you are struggling financially. We work with local food suppliers to make up food parcels and have a small group of volunteers who help us distribute them each year. “

Run by local volunteers from Coed Mawr Community Centre, the food bank was set up in 2016 and provides essential support and food parcels to residents. The group works with local supermarkets and have seen an increase in the number of people who depend on the food bank following the pandemic and the more recent increase in the cost of living.

In addition to the monthly support it provides, Watkin Property Ventures has agreed to match fund each pound raised during the Christmas Campaign – with a target of £2,500 set.

Mark Watkin Jones said: “The team at Coed Mawr Food Bank work hard and play an important role locally, they do so much more than distribute food. They are close to the community and are always ready to listen and provide emotional support when necessary. We were only too happy to support this campaign and I would urge people to give what they can through the Just Giving page.”

The centre is currently distributing between 40 and 50 food bags per week with five meals and breakfast cereals in each. This equates to over 1,000 meals a month. The launch of the Christmas campaign coincides with the bank reaching a total of 40,000 meals distributed.

TŶ GOBAITH

In 2021, Tŷ Gobaith launched their inaugural 36-hour Final Moments Matter campaign, aiming to raise £500,000 to ensure that no family faced the heart-wrenching loss of a child alone in the subsequent months.

Watkin Property Ventures has been a supporter of Final Moments Matter since it was launched. Andy Everley from Tŷ Gobaith explains: “During this year's campaign, Watkin Property Ventures funded emergency and end-of-life care services for terminally ill children. We are so grateful to Watkin Property Ventures for their donation and consistent support of this remarkable campaign, which has significantly improved the final moments for seriously ill local children and their families.”

WPV Staff raise £2,000 for air ambulance

Wales Air Ambulance was chosen as the Watkin Property Ventures (WPV) staff charity for 2022/23. Through a series of events and challenges, the company successfully raised a total £1,000, which was match-funded through the company’s Community Fund.

The total donation of £2,000 highlights WPV’s commitment to making a positive impact in the community and to organisations which have a critical role in local emergency services.

The fundraising initiative saw enthusiastic participation from employees, who took part in fundraisers and team-building activities throughout the year in support of the charity.

The £2,000 donation will contribute directly to the Air Ambulance's mission of providing life-saving services and medical care in emergency situations. WPV is grateful to all staff, partners, and supporters who contributed to the success of this year’s fundraising.

Bangor 1876 Scores a £25,000 Sponsorship

Bangor 1876 Football Club has sent heartfelt thanks to Watkin Property Ventures following a new sponsorship deal. The funding totalling £25,000 will enable the club to provide additional support to its players and is a step forward towards eliminating financial barriers for young people who play football for Bangor.

With a strong commitment to its community, Watkin Property Ventures recognises the important role that sport plays in promoting physical and mental well-being. With this donation the company is looking to create a lasting impact by addressing the various challenges that prevent young people from taking part in team sports such as the increasing cost of transport and purchasing kit. As it continues its partnership with the development company, Bangor 1876 hopes to tackle these issues and include even more players in the club’s activities.

Mark Watkin Jones, CEO of Watkin Property Ventures, and Susan Ashworth presented the donation to Glynne Roberts, Chairman of Bangor 1876, at the first match of the season. Playing in the Cymru North League, the men’s First Team beat Llanidloes FC, with a final score of 6-0.

Mark is keen to promote inclusion in sport among young people. He said: “We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to participate in team sports. We are delighted to contribute to Bangor 1876 Football Club to support those who face exclusion due to financial or other hardship. Team sports has a positive effect on mental health and supporting the football club means that more players can experience these benefits.”

The club is very proud of its roots and is committed to serving the local community. It has a senior team, and a flourishing junior section from U10s upwards.

Glynne Roberts said: “We are looking forward to continuing to work with Watkin Property Ventures. Being inclusive is important to us as a club, and with this significant donation we can make sure that our younger players are supported. The on-going cost of living crisis affects more and more of our players, and we are keen to make sure that no one is left out.”

Watkin Property Ventures' support of Bangor 1876 Football Club reflects its commitment to the community and social responsibility. The company is actively involved in various charitable initiatives, supporting education, healthcare, and sports programmes throughout the region.

Bangor Cricket Club hits a six thanks to £10,000 donation

Watkin Property Ventures makes donation to Bangor Cricket Club allowing the club to employ fully qualified coaches to support volunteers and train junior players. The £10,000 contribution will drive the club's mission to promote a thriving sporting culture within the local community.

Mark Watkin Jones, Chief Executive Officer of Watkin Property Ventures, presented the donation to Gareth Edwards, Chairman of Bangor Cricket Club. The funding will be used to enhance the training and development of both new and existing talent and to build a structure that supports the development of younger players for years to come.

In his statement, Mark Watkin Jones said: "We are delighted to extend our support to the Bangor Cricket Club. Sport has an unmatched ability to bring people together, encourage inclusivity, and improve mental health. As a company deeply rooted in the community, we believe in investing in local organisations that make a positive impact, and the Bangor Cricket Club perfectly aligns with this vision."

Bangor Cricket Club was established in 1856 and has been playing at its Tŷ Newydd ground for nearly a century. Over the last 12 months, the club has been developing its junior teams and has started a women’s team. A dynamic community hub, Bangor Cricket Club allows young people from the area to come and try cricket, learn new skills, and socialise.

Gareth Edwards expressed his gratitude and excitement about the partnership. He said: "We are hugely grateful to Mark and Watkin Property Ventures for their very generous sponsorship. This significant contribution will go a long way in bolstering our efforts to provide a thriving cricket community for members and aspiring players. With these funds, we can improve our facilities and our players can be coached by a certified team. The donation will no doubt help the development of our young cricketers."

Watkin Property Ventures' donation to Bangor Cricket Club reflects its commitment to the community and social responsibility. The company has been actively involved in various charitable initiatives, supporting education, healthcare, and sports programmes throughout the region.

Bangor Sporting Memories Club/Dementia Actif Gwynedd

Watkin Property Ventures in conjunction with CPD Bangor 1876 FC have supported the Bangor sporting memories club at Bwyd Da, Bangor on Monday afternoons between 3:00-4:30.

The sessions are run by Dementia actif Gwynedd and all participants are enjoying themselves and are very competitive. A warm welcome to anyone who might be interested in joining for a chat and tea/coffee.

Tŷ Hillgrove, Bangor

Ground cutting ceremony to celebrate start of recovery centre build

The local community has come together to mark the beginning of a £3 million project to develop former Hillgrove School, Bangor into a new home for North Wales Recovery Communities (NWRC).

Thanks to the support of Watkin Property Ventures, NWRC purchased the former school last year. Having secured planning permission, work has now started on site to adapt the building into a much-needed new home for NWRC residents.

Mark Watkin Jones, Chief Executive and owner of Watkin Property Ventures cut the first sod to signal the beginning of construction. He said: “The occasion is a significant milestone for NWRC, and I am pleased that we have been able to support this project which promises to bring positive changes to the lives of many in the area. NWRC have been doing fantastic work for many years, the new centre will help them support more people and provide them with the modern facilities they deserve.”

James Deakin, founder of NWRC, added: “We are Incredibly grateful for the support we have received from Mark and Susan at Watkin Property Ventures – it means we can develop a sustainable hub which will meet the long-term needs of our therapeutic community.

“The event this week was also a fantastic opportunity for us to meet our neighbours, local businesses, residents, and other agencies to showcase the support we provide people on their recovery journey. Being a part of and offering service to our wider local community is integral to what we do and an event like this enables us to raise awareness about our work here in Bangor and further afield.”

NWRC was set up in 2014 by James Deakin, frustrated with the lack of recovery support available for people exiting drug and alcohol treatment services. Since then, the organisation has been delivering a programme of rehabilitation and providing abstinent accommodation from Penrhyn House in Bangor.

North Wales business, Techbuild has been appointed as the main contractor on the project. Work has started on site and is expected to be complete by the end of 2023 with residents moving into Hillgrove shortly after.

City centre initiative, Bwyd Da Bangor provided the catering at the launch. With local produce at the heart of their offer – this was an opportunity for the team there to showcase their talents. As well as working with NWRC residents, Bwyd Da means NWRC can support other marginalised groups within the wider community.

Ysgol Friars, Bangor - Laptops for 6th Form Pupils

The company have donated laptops to A Level students of Ysgol Friars, Bangor to ensure that all students have access to the necessary resources to succeed in their studies. This recent donation is part of Mark and Susan’s ongoing support of Ysgol Friars which includes a range of initiatives aimed at improving the welfare and educational experience of the school’s students.

Neil Foden, Headteacher expressed his gratitude for their continued support to the school and the students. “As former students they both know the school and the community and understand the effects of Covid-19 and rising prices have had on young people and their families. It is fantastic that, having enjoyed successful business careers, both are now committed to giving back to the school and supporting our pupils.”

Susan Ashworth said: “We’re pleased that we can support pupils at Ysgol Friars in this way. Having adequate access to IT equipment is crucial for students to thrive. We are confident that the new computers will go some of the way to helping the students achieve their full potential.”

WALES AIR AMBULANCE – STAFF CHARITY OF THE YEAR – 2022/2023

Each year our staff choose a local charity to raise funds for and the charity chosen for 2022/2023 is the Wales Air Ambulance. They deliver lifesaving, advanced medical care to people across Wales and rely entirely on charitable donations.

The team at WPV are looking forward to raising funds and having some fun in doing so!

PWLLHELI RUGBY CLUB – 2022/2023 SEASON

We are delighted to continue our sponsorship with Pwllheli Ruby Club again this year. The Club was established in 1972 and this year they are celebrating their fiftieth anniversary; they run no fewer than sixteen teams. There has been substantial progress over the years and there has been a focus on improving their facilities and their infrastructure has been targeted on supporters and particularly their disabled supporters, which our donation will help towards

Hope House/Ty Gobaith

Final Moments Matter - 2022

Once again, WPV were pleased to be part of the Final Moments Matter campaign. Hope House were asking communities to come together to raise £500,000 – the annual cost of providing the best end of life care for every child and family in our region who turn to Hope House and Tŷ Gobaith for support.

Watkin Property Ventures are one of the supporters who pledged £20,000 and the charity raised an incredible total of £563,431.

CPD BANGOR 1876 FC - 2022 to 2025 SEASONS

CPD Bangor 1876 FC was formed in 2019, with a view to actively engaging with and involving the whole community, and we are delighted to continue our sponsorship for a further 3 seasons. We have pledged £20,000 over three years and again the funds will go towards essential running costs, however, in addition we will also become front-of-shirt sponsors for the next three years.

Part of the money will also be used specifically to support the community ethos of the club in order to continue to provide opportunities for young people from all backgrounds to get involved in football. Furthermore, we are also keen to work with the Club on projects that aim to boost awareness of mental health.

St David's Hospice - Staff Charity Of The Year - 2021/2022

Each year our staff choose a local charity to raise funds for and the charity chosen for 2021/2022 is St David’s Hospice.

St David’s Hospice is a local charity providing hospice care to adult patients across Conwy, Gwynedd and Anglesey. They deliver free, high-quality, specialist palliative care to patients with life limiting illnesses, their family and carers.

Over the course of the year, we ran a number of office events and challenges to raise money. These included various sweepstakes, seasonal events such as a Halloween pumpkin carving competition and Christmas jumper week, and a month long steps challenge during which our team walked a combined total of over 4500 miles. A total of £1,960.24 was raised for St David’s Hospice, which included cash raised by staff and match funding by WPV.

Awyr Las - The North Wales NHS Charity

We are delighted to be the headline sponsor for Awyr Las/Blue Sky “Light Up Christmas 2021”. Through Light Up Christmas, local communities are invited to remember, thank and celebrate loved ones and those they are grateful to by dedicating a light to them. This light will shine bright on Bangor Pier throughout December 2021. Light Up Christmas involves a special lights installation on Bangor Pier and a projection display that will travel to acute and community hospitals as well as other healthcare settings in North Wales.

Awyr Las is the umbrella charity for over 400 charitable funds which together support every ward, unit, department, speciality and community project right across the area of North Wales which is served by the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board.

Hope House/Ty Gobaith

Final Moments Matter - 2021

Watkin Property Ventures were pleased to be part of the Final Moments Matter campaign. Hope House were asking communities to come together to raise £500,000 – the annual cost of providing the best end of life care for every child and family in our region who turn to Hope House for support.

WPV are one of the supporters who pledged £20,000. We would like to congratulate Hope House on achieving over 100% of their goal for the Final Moments Matter campaign. Hope House raising a staggering £564,420 in the 36 hours of the campaign in November 2021 and donations continue to rise.

North Wales Recovery Communities

We are pleased to support North Wales Recovery Communities based at Penrhyn House, Bangor.

NWRC were founded in 2014 and run rehabilitation programmes for people with addictions to drugs and alcohol, they also provide a range of abstinent accommodation from both Penrhyn House and dispersed across Bangor.

They provide a safe space for participants in early recovery whilst they establish themselves in the local recovery community, provide information on the consequences of substance use disorder and encourage and support participants to build their own recoveries through involvement with Mutual aid groups and other recovery-compatible activities.

Mosaic Church - Food Bank

We are pleased to continue supporting the Mosaic Food Bank with our regular monthly donation. The food bank is based at the Coed Mawr Community Centre in Bangor and serves the area of Bangor & surrounding villages. Foodbanks were around long before the pandemic but they have found a large increase since Covid-19 and they are handing out between 200-250 parcels a month.

Hope House/Ty Gobaith

WPV are delighted to become one of the first Hope House/Ty Gobaith Champions! – a group of incredible organisations who believe in their vision that no one should face the death of their child alone.

Having lost £1.25 million in income, Hope House is facing additional costs, including increased PPE for nurses and families, to ensure that the hospices are COVID-safe to continue to provide end of life and critical care to children.

“We need 12 FFP masks and 12 gowns in any one 24-hour period for every child being cared for. This equates to £78 per day for each child. These extra costs, combined with the loss of income, are putting a huge strain on us.

“We are contacting local companies and asking them to help us by donating £780 to cover the cost of PPE for 10 days for one child. This support will ensure that the families we care for continue to receive the bespoke care they deserve this Christmas time.

Our donation of £7,800 will cover the cost of PPE for 10 children for 10 days.

We are so pleased that we can assist this worthwhile cause.

Mosaic Church, Bangor - Home Alone on Christmas Day

For over 20 years the Hope Church have provided food and gifts to people who are alone on Christmas day. Sadly, due to Covid-19 they won’t be able to congregate together in 2020. Our support means that up to fifty people will be given hampers containing Christmas dinner, Boxing day dinner and lovely goodies.

Coed Mawr Community Centre, Bangor - Hobbit House

Recently, it came to our attention that Coed Mawr Community Centre in Bangor were in the process of building a hobbit house for the benefit of the local children.

Watkin Property Ventures stepped in to complete the un-finished project and a local contractor was procured to complete the project. Hopefully the children will benefit greatly from this project.

CPD Bangor 1876 FC - 2019 TO 2021 SEASONS

CPD Bangor 1876 FC was formed in 2019, with a view to actively engaging with and involving the whole community. We have pledged to provide more than £34,000 over three years, to support this newly formed football club. The funds will go towards expenses including rent, insurance, management costs, affiliations for league and cup competitions, and equipment. The three-year commitment gives the club a firm financial foundation on which to build. Supporting back-of-house activities leaves opportunities for the club to gather support from match day and player sponsorships, and other branding opportunities such as training kits.