Sponsored by
Pantsman draws on support of traders
BIG PLANS ... architect Gary Craig, left, and girl guide leader, Cheryl Oliver, right, with Mayor and Mayoress of South Tyneside, Coun Jim Sewell and wife, Rosemary.
THE Geordie Pantsman is calling on kind-hearted tradesmen to help transform a historic girl guides’ building.
The architect, and former Britain’s Got Talent star, needs building materials to renovate the Victorian structure in Westoe Road, South Shields.
It has been home to the Girl Guides Association’s South Shields division since 1971, but has become run-down in recent years.
In November Gary Craig, of Fulmar Walk, Whitburn, appealed for tradesmen in South Tyneside to volunteer their labour for free.
A number of local businesses have come forward, but the 52-year-old says materials and equipment are still needed for the project.
The building needs a new kitchen and flooring, while painting, decorating, plumbing and electrical work is also needed.
He said: “We are starting to make progress, and we now have people on board. What we really need now is donations of building materials such as copper piping, heating system components, plaster board, floor joists, electrical and shower fittings.
“If there is a kitchen being taken out of somewhere, which could be re-used, we would be grateful for it.
“Most builders have bits and pieces left over when they finish a job, and we could make good use of them.”
South Tyneside Homes has offered to support the scheme, which has the backing of the Mayor and Mayoress of South Tyneside, Coun Jim Sewell and his wife, Rosemary.
The South Tyneside Business Forum is also encouraging firms to play their part in the project, and Mr Craig said he was delighted with the response from the community.
He added: “It really is a community effort, and about half a dozen businesses have got involved. All we need is for people to do a little bit, and eventually we will get there. We’ve had offers for fire doors and flooring, but we need to get the other work done before we lay a new floor.”
When the renovation is complete, the facility will benefit brownies (aged seven to 10), guides (10 to 14) and the senior section (14 to 24), who all use the building for meetings and activities.
Better known as the Geordie Pantsman, Mr Craig is a self-employed architect.
He scooped a Guinness World Record in 2010 for pulling on 211 pairs of underpants, and appeared on Britain’s Got Talent in April last year.
Anyone interested in getting involved with the renovation project, call Mr Craig on 529 4964 or e-mail gcarchservices@tiscali.co.uk
Twitter: @shieldsgazjoe
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Wednesday 23 May 2012
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Comments
There are 4 comments to this article
Page 1 of 1
bewilderedonlooker
Thursday, February 23, 2012 at 09:38 AMIt may be the Gazettes mistake but by allowing it to go uncorrected Mr Craig would still be regarded as breaching the rules by the ARB, asuming that he has read the artile about him (cant imagin he hasnt, most people like to read stuff about them selves).
Planning Portal
Wednesday, February 22, 2012 at 08:02 PMHence the 'architectural services' quote, really the Gazette should know better than to illegally advertise someone beyond their position. I doubt they'd advertise a first aider as a doctor, which is basically what they are doing here. If you hire an architect you'd expect a professional service with knowledge that 7 years of university takes, you cannot be called an architect because you can draw a house. Come on the gazette, do your research please.
bewilderedonlooker
Wednesday, February 22, 2012 at 02:15 PMVery naughty if true! perhaps someone should forward this article to the Architects registration board, I know they are very touchy over people misrepresenting themselves as architects (legaly protected job title with fines attached to misuse).
Planning Portal
Wednesday, February 22, 2012 at 11:52 AMAccording to the Architects Registration Board and RIBA - Gary Craig is not an Architect.
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