Family-run timber merchants PS Timber in Fareham shows its caring side by donating a playhouse and benches to worthy causes

The Good with Wood initiative, set up by Sarah Wilkinson, the managing director of PS Timber, invited suggestions for worthy nominees from the community for an individual, business or charity that was having a hard time in lockdown.

It was set up as PS Timber, a timber merchant based in The Dean Estate, Wickham Road, Fareham wanted to do something to thank the public for its support over the past 12 months.

Carly Ewles, marketing manager, said: ‘Community is so important to us and we just wanted to give something back.’

Their network of carpenters put them in the position to construct nominees a creation of their choosing.

The company found it too hard to pick just one story, so nominations were narrowed down to three deserving candidates who are all thrilled with their personalised designs.

Among the chosen nominees of the Good with Wood project was St Jude’s Catholic Primary School, in Bishopsfield Road, Fareham, which received new reading benches for the pupils.

They are now enjoying their books in the new dedicated outside reading area.

Also benefitting from a donation, was Emily and Dane Millerchip, from Fareham, and their three girls – Eliza, Gracie and Olivia.

The couple’s twin girls, Gracie and Olivia, were born prematurely. Gracie has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair.

Emily’s sister Charlotte Hawksworth nominated the family.

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She said: ‘Both girls love being outside and would love to have an accessible playhouse to play in.’

The company donated a handcrafted playhouse from their sister company, Dinky Dwellings, which they delivered and assembled for the girls as they came home from school.

‘From what the family have told me, they didn’t want to come inside,’ said Carly.

The campaign also gave a bird table to a local 85-year-old.

‘Being able to make people smile in such a tumultuous period has been really rewarding and as soon as we are able to, we will be continuing with this initiative,’ said Carly.

PS Timber is now also running a competition to thank a hard-working trader, with a drill and radio up for grabs. Go to facebook.com/PS-Timber-101924805024790

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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