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Volunteers transform Plumstead Common Working Men’s Club

Posted: Wednesday, February 12th, 2025

Toolstation has teamed up with social enterprise Volunteer It Yourself (VIY) for its latest project: transforming and refurbishing the interior of the Plumstead Common Working Men’s Club.

Established 116 years ago, the club serves the local community and regularly hosts darts tournaments for the London Youth National League.

The space, which needed repair and refurbishment, was transformed by 27 young volunteers aged 14-24.

The transformation will help give the local institution a much-needed facelift, make it more attractive to new and existing members, and inspire the next generation of darts players with more modern facilities.

The volunteers and VIY updated the youth darts arena, and adults dart space. Other refurbishments included transforming the main entrance area and sanding the wooden flooring with a sander loaned and delivered through Toolstation’s new partnership with Travis Perkins Hire, which means that Toolstation customers can hire products through the counter at their local branch.

The volunteers also repaired the damaged walls, doors and skirting boards before they were painted.

The initiative is helping more young people learn DIY skills and consider a career in the construction and building industry while renovating a space they may use and benefit from.

Toolstation has funded and helped the volunteers gain City & Guilds qualifications as part of its partnership with VIY.

The project brought together 27 young volunteers from local youth referral partners, including London South East College, Newhaven School, and Shooter Hills College.

They worked on the project for 10 days, and over 75% of the young people were awarded an Entry Level 3 City & Guilds accreditation in Health and safety and Painting and decorating.

Rupert Nichols, customer and commercial director at Toolstation said: "Luke Littler’s heroics at Alexandra Palace have inspired so many more young people to get behind the oche, so VIY and the volunteers have hit a 180 with the transformation of this club. The refurbishment will encourage the local community to spend more time at this iconic venue.”

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