The History:
There has been an active free under 5s stay and play group hosted in Charlton Park since the 1960s. However during 2010 with the withdrawal of government funding this long tradition was severely under threat.
The One O’clock club as it was known had always been the place where parents took their children and their children took their children; therefore local families coming together to save the group was just the natural thing to do and the Big Red Bus Club was born.
Over the last 7 years a group of dedicated volunteers have gone one better than just survival; coming up with community events and activities to build a sustainable service that puts local families at the heart of everything.
No longer just a play group, this year sees the Big Red Bus Club apply for charity registration to be able to reach even further out into the community offering new free services in education and for children with additional needs.
The Challenge:
Test myself physically and my bike mechanically over a 100km route to raise money to ensure the continued growth of the club. Although, I commute to work by bike 3 days a week to give an idea of the challenge for me; this will be 2 weeks’ worth of commuting in 1 day with no break!!!
Full route can be explored by following this address:
https://www.strava.com/routes/8807394
The reward:
Your support will contribute to a lasting investment in the Big Red Bus Club over and above day to day running costs:
- £500 will pay for a winter garden
- £2500 will refit the toilets and provide better baby and toddler changing facilities
- £10,000 will replace the windows securing the building and keeping the centre warm
Please give all you can to support this incredible community led service to ensure a modern and welcoming environment for future generations of under 5s and their families to freely meet and grow.
