GAPA still battling on!

Gainsborough Adventure Playground is currently used by over 230 families in the area, and has provided care services to countless more over the last 38 years.

But now there’s the threat of at least six paid GAPA staff losing their jobs and funding for its open access service for five to 14-year-olds has come to an end.

However, since the community at large became aware of GAPA’s battle, people have been generous and vigilant in fighting for funding.

Trent Valley Academy headmaster Wendy Carrick recently presented a cheque for £1,070 to GAPA after the school held a fundraising event by holding a non-uniform day, open mic night, football and tennis competitions and much more.

Not only that, but GAPA also raised over £1,000 by holding a charity night at the Blues Club - including an auction to win a ride on a real American Harley Davidson motorcycle.

When former service-users Keith and Sandra Norton heard that GAPA were holding an auction to help raise money to fill the hole left by the LLC and WLDC withdrawing of it funding, they knew how to ride to help.

“At times, GAPA was the only reason that I could get to work” said Sandra. “The provision by GAPA of a fun, safe and respectful environment that has free and open access is an important support service to many families”.

Whilst Keith and Sandra were at GAPA supporting their grandchildren on a charity bike ride with Gainsborough Aegir Cycle Club, they asked if they could offer GAPA’s auction a prize of the chance for two people to have a dream come true - a ride on the icon American motorcycle, a Harley Davidson.

Heidi Broadwell and Sam Williams won the ride of a lifetime, and Heidi also won a tour of motorcycle customisers Polar Cycles with Steve ‘Stez’ Brocklesby.

“Receiving so much money and support has been brilliant,” said GAPA manager Lisa Pinkney.

“TVA’s contribution was especially nice because it’s a local school and many of those kids either used to come to GAPA or have brothers or sisters who still do.”

She continued: “It’s really nice that they think of us and want to do something.”

Lisa said that she and everyone at GAPA was deeply touched by how much support the community were showing.

“With all money provided, we’ve been able to provide six weeks of play at GAPA throughout the summer, and I’d just like to thank everyone for what they’ve done,” she said.

“All of your support is really well-appreciated and it’s so nice that local people value what we do and hopefully that will enable us to carry on a little bit longer.”

The GAPA committee are currently working out what will happen when the current summer play scheme ends at the start of the school term.

“We are still looking for funding for projects after the summer and we have just put in an application of interest to the National Lottery so we’re waiting to hear from that,” said Lisa.

She added: “We are having a fantastic summer with a lot of kids at the moment and if anyone has any ideas or wants to get involved then please let us know.”

To contact GAPA you can call 01427 617 165.

- You can also donate online by visiting www.gapa.btck.co.uk or when shopping online through www.easyfunding.org.uk/causes/gapa