LOCAL children’s charity WyePlay has received a major boost after being awarded a £5,000 grant from the Marks Benevolent Fund to help replace its ageing play session van.

The cheque was presented at WyePlay’s play session at Weston-under-Penyard Village Hall by Brian Gargett, Provincial Grand Master for the Mark Province of Gloucestershire and Herefordshire, and Dave Hedley, Provincial Grand Charity Steward. They handed the donation to Susannah Jones, Chair of WyePlay Trustees, alongside play leaders Louise Clarke and Steph Sayer.

WyePlay, which runs stay-and-play sessions across a number of village halls in and around Ross-on-Wye, had been fundraising for some time to purchase a replacement vehicle. The grant from the Marks Benevolent Fund made a significant contribution to the fundraising total and allowed the purchase to go ahead.

Susannah Jones said: “Without the significant and generous contribution of Marks Benevolent Fund, we would not have been able to purchase the replacement van and we are very grateful to them for their support.”

The new van will allow WyePlay to continue providing safe and engaging play sessions for pre-school children in the local community. The charity encourages families to join their sessions, which also give parents and carers the chance to meet and connect with others in the area.

WyePlay’s sessions are held at multiple village halls, offering a friendly, stay-and-play environment for young children. For more information, families can visit their Facebook page at facebook.com/wyeplay or follow them on Instagram at wyeplay_ross_on_wye.

The charity said the grant from Marks Benevolent Fund not only helps secure the new van but also strengthens their ability to deliver activities to children in Weston-under-Penyard and the surrounding villages.

The donation was warmly welcomed by all at the play session, marking an important step in ensuring that WyePlay can continue supporting families for many years to come.