BAND OF BUILDERS HELPS ULSTER GIRL
A 12-year-old girl who was left with severe learning difficulties will be able to play safely in her back garden for the first time after volunteer builders and landscapers completed a project at her home in Craigavon in Northern Ireland.
Aiva Barry and her family have thanked volunteers from award- winning construction charity Band of Builders for landscaping the outdoor space and erecting fencing around it – as the finishing touch to a bigger project where the family obtained funding to build a new ground-floor bedroom and bathroom for her.
Speaking at the handover of the project, Aiva, along with mum Catrina, dad Ciaran (who is a landscaper) and sisters Catlin and Orlaith, said: “It looks amazing and we can’t thank everyone involved enough for coming together as a team to create an area where Aiva can play safely. She’s looking forward to having a new bunny rabbit and a hot tub in her new garden.”
Project Manager Marcus McGee thanked the five volunteers, including Aiva’s dad, and said: “Band of Builders has done what it does best in helping our own in the construction industry and completing projects that will make a huge difference to the lives of tradespeople and their families.
“Having a safe outdoor space means the world to Aiva – and the smile on her face has made it all worthwhile.”
ALL CHANGE AT THE LSFA
LSFA (Light Steel Frame Association) chair Mike Fairey has stood down from his role with Ben Towe appointed in his place.
“It has been an interesting and extremely rewarding few years. I am so proud to have been involved in the formation and launch of the LSFA,” said Mike.
“From a standing start the association has gathered momentum and with the rise in specification of light steel framing systems, we have grown in stature and influence. I have enjoyed my tenure as Chair and I am delighted that Ben Towe will take over the role in January 2024 and I will remain as Deputy Chair throughout the transitional term.”
Starting his career at Carillion after qualifying as a Mechanical Engineer from Aston University, Ben Towe joined Hadley Group in January 2006, one of the UK’s largest manufacturers of cold rolled steel sections. He soon rose through the ranks joining the main board in 2011 and progressing to his current role of Group Managing Director in 2018.
“I would like to thank the Steering Group for their nomination and support,” said Ben Towe.
“The Association has some big challenges to address on behalf of our members over the next 12 months. As the construction industry grapples with the new Building Safety Act and legislation, my priority as Chair is to help our members get across the detail. Without doubt the new safety legislation plays to the strengths of light steel frame and we must help our members grasp the opportunities which are coming our way.”
