SPARTANS CONVERT NEW SPONSORSHIP DEAL

Gloucestershire’s U12 Spartans rugby team are celebrating after securing a kit sponsorship deal from a local business.

The Spartans, based near Gloucester’s famous Kingsholm Stadium, has secured the deal with Cheltenham Volkswagen Van Centre, who has provided all 18 players with a new kit that includes shirts, socks and shorts.

The U12’s can now be sure they’re looking good while being coached by the best, as Kevin Dunn has played for Gloucester County, London Wasps and has represented England.

Kevin Dunn said: “It’s great news that we have the support of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Cheltenham.

“The boys love their new kit, it certainty helps to the make the team look and feel professional.”

Kevin continued: “It’s vital we have the support of companies such as Volkswagen Van Centre Cheltenham, in order to give the boys the best equipment possible.”

The U12 team plays every weekend against local teams in the area, as well as participating in regular training sessions

Cheltenham Volkswagen Van Centre’s head of business, John Seddon said: “The local community is very important to us and we will continue to show our support where we can.

“Many of the staff from the van centre are regulars at Spartans matches, providing plenty of vocal support.”

The Spartans Rugby Club has produced several professional players in their 84 year history including Daniel Norton and Ryan Lamb, who currently plays for London Irish in the Aviva Premiership.

The Spartans Gloucester Rugby Club was founded in 1927 and has four junior teams: U9’s, U10’s, U11’s and U12’s.

CONTRACTORS’ 200th VAN GETS CUSTOMISED COLOURS

One of Gloucestershire’s biggest companies celebrated the delivery of its 200th vehicle, by giving it a bespoke paint pattern.

Electrical contractor Clarkson Evans was presented with the eye-catching Volkswagen Transporter T5 recently, by local firm Cheltenham Volkswagen Van Centre.

The vehicle is a significant landmark for both companies as the van centre has supplied all 200 vehicles.

Steve Evans, founder and managing director of Clarkson Evans, said: “The company always looks for quality and reliability when purchasing products and in the Volkswagen vans and Cheltenham Volkswagen Van Centre we’ve found both.

“We’re very loyal to staff and companies we work with, which is why we’ve now reached our 200th van.

“As we cover a large part of the country the vans are vital as they transport equipment to and from sites in the most cost-effective way.”Clarkson Evans’ fleet is exclusively Volkswagen and numbers almost 100 vans, either Caddy or Transporter.

The company, which wires about ten per cent of new homes in the UK, is looking at ways of celebrating its 30th birthday in 2011.

Steve added: “As a company we’re hoping to reach 300 employees by our 30th birthday, with many coming through our apprenticeship programme.

“Depending on the feedback of this vehicle, another custom-painted van could mark that milestone.”

John Seddon, head of business at Cheltenham Volkswagen Van Centre, said: “Steve and the team at Clarkson Evans are a fantastic company to deal with and we’re delighted to have reached this significant milestone.

“Everyone at the van centre is please to be associated with such a high profile local company.

“The van is certainly eye-catching and wherever it goes I’m sure people’s heads will turn.”