Active backed by charitable trust in new van purchase

A LOCAL charity has bolstered its fundraising efforts with the purchase of a new purpose-built van.

With support from the John Ramplin Charitable Trust, Active has bought a new van to use for fundraising. Standing, left to right, are Active president Ray Peacegood, volunteer co-ordinator Lucy Slimm, secretary Barbara Renouf and Tony Jessett, former Rabeys commercial sales manager. Inside the van in the centre are Tony Woodland, administrator and trustee, and Paul Bailey, trustee, with committee members and volunteers. (Picture by Luke Le Prevost, 32055094)

Active was founded more than 40 years ago and helps islanders with learning difficulties go on holidays and take part in local leisure activities and it runs a handful of holiday parties.

Its services also include provision of wheelchairs.

‘We help around 225 people through trips abroad and also with our functions that we run to celebrate things like Halloween and Christmas,’ said president Ray Peacegood.

The charity is now the owner of a new low access point Renault van, that boasts a side counter, electricity sockets, tap, LED lighting and a custom Active themed polka dot yellow paint job from Downing Signs.

‘We wanted something a bit different and eye-catching,’ said Mr Peacegood.

It will be used to run tombolas at local events such as the North and West shows, Seafront Sundays and the Classic Car Show.

The Renault van cost £44,000 with the final £10,000 being covered by the John Ramplin Charitable Trust.

The trust meets quarterly to consider charity grant applications, which go through the Guernsey Community Foundation.

Trustee Paul Bailey said Active fell within the trust’s remit.

‘We liked the fact that it helps those with learning disabilities and it’s also a good established local charity.’

The van’s chassis was supplied by Rabeys, who sent it to UK bodyworks company PD Stevens with an initial list of requirements.

The project started before the first lockdown, however the impacts of Covid saw it delayed.

‘The body-builders had to catch up with a huge list of clients they had put on hold and we were also hit with material issues due to high inflation,’ said Rabeys’ former commercial sales manager Tony Jessett.

‘But because it was for charity everyone was doing their part by giving discounts where they could.’

Among the numerous amenities, the truck has a generator in a slide out compartment for easy access.

It will first see action at this week’s Seafront Sunday.