Solar Panels Installed – Greener, Cleaner & More Sustainable for Our Club ☀️

Updated 03.11.2025

We’re delighted to confirm that over the October half‑term we had solar panels fitted at the club, thanks to a grant awarded by the Forest of Dean District Council through their Community Asset Grant Scheme — part of the wider efforts under the Rural England Prosperity Fund to support renewable energy and sustainable community infrastructure.

With this upgrade now in place, we’re doing our bit to help reduce the club’s environmental footprint — and over time we expect the savings on energy costs to pay off for us all. Now we just need a bit of sunshine! 🌤️

A huge thank you to the Council for this generous grant, and to everyone who helped make the application possible.

Roof Repairs Complete – No More Leaks!

Updated 18.08.2025

We’re thrilled to share that phase one of our roof repairs was successfully completed over the summer and we’re even happier to report that after the recent rain… not a single leak in sight!

The buckets (once a regular fixture in the gym during bad weather) have officially been retired to the storeroom – hopefully for good!

This wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support of our members, families, local businesses, parish councils, grant providers, and of course, the many individuals who gave their time, energy, and donations to make this happen.

From all of us at Forest of Dean Gymnastics Club – thank you for being part of this journey and helping to protect the future of our club. 💙

New Equipment Installed – Bouncing into the Future!

Updated 11.08.2025

At the start of the summer holidays, we were excited to welcome the arrival of our brand new Gymnova trampoline – a huge upgrade made possible thanks to the support of our Crowdfunder backers and a generous match-funding grant from Sport England.

But that’s not all! Alongside the trampoline, we also installed:

• New safety mats
• Cable guards
• Block covers
• And a brand new wedge to support our gymnasts

These improvements have already made a big difference to the quality and safety of sessions across the gym – and the excitement on the gymnasts’ faces says it all! 🤸‍♀️💙

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who donated, shared, or supported the project in any way. You’re helping us create a better, safer, and more inspiring environment for all.

Roof Repairs and Trampoline Installation – Thank You for Making it Happen!

Updated 21.05.2025

We are delighted to share some long-awaited news – thanks to your incredible support, roof repairs at the Forest of Dean Gymnastics Centre will begin this summer!

Following years of fundraising, grant applications, community support, and sheer determination, we’ve now raised enough to begin the repairs in phases, starting with the main roof. Work is scheduled to commence the week beginning 21st July and is expected to take approximately three weeks. Future work on the front and side elevations will follow as further funding becomes available.

This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the generosity of so many individuals and organisations. Whether you bought a raffle ticket, supported our book sales, popped a few coins into the donation jar at reception, gave online, or cheered us on – thank you. Your support has helped preserve a community space that benefits hundreds of children, families, and members each week.

We’d like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the many local businesses, parish councils, and grant-giving organisations who helped us reach this milestone. Your backing has been instrumental and deeply appreciated. A special thank you also goes to Sport England, whose match-funding grant enabled us to purchase a brand new Gymnova trampoline, with installation also planned for w/c 21st July. This upgrade will enhance training across the club and help us support gymnasts at every level.

And finally, we’d like to shine a spotlight on one of our incredible parents, who is currently training for an extraordinary challenge – running 3 back-to-back marathons (78.6 miles) in a single day to raise money for both Refuge and our club.
🔗 You can read his story and support the gymnastics centre here:
Help raise £1000 to SUPPORT THE FOREST OF DEAN GYMNASTIC CLUB FIX THE LEAKY ROOF – JustGiving Crowdfunding

We are so proud of the spirit, energy, and generosity shown by our community. This roof project has been a team effort in every sense – and we’re only just getting started.

Thank you for helping us protect and improve our club for the next generation of gymnasts.

We did it !!!

Updated 25th April

Thanks to your kindness, generosity, and incredible community spirit, our Leap to New Heights Crowdfunder campaign has officially reached its goal – and more!

Together, we raised an amazing £16,281, with an estimated £579.25 in Gift Aid still to come. That’s 126 pledges from 98 supporters – every single one of you has made a difference.

Because of your support, we’ve already contacted Gymnova to place the order, and we’re aiming to have the new trampoline, safety mats, cable guards and equipment updates installed during the week commencing 21st July 2025.

We’re beyond grateful – not just for the donations, but for the messages, the shares, the raffle tickets bought, the pyjamas worn, the rewards claimed, and the belief you’ve all shown in our club.

This has always been more than just fundraising – it’s been about community. And wow, what a community we have. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts

---

How We’ll Spend the Money Raised:

We’re committed to using every penny raised to benefit our gymnasts, community, and club. Here’s how your support will make a difference:

✅ New Trampoline (£8,364.00) – A state-of-the-art trampoline with frame, pads & bed for safe, modern training
✅ Safety Matting (£813.60) – Essential upgrades to improve safety for 500+ weekly gymnasts
✅ Padded Cable Guards (£2,805.60) – Protecting high bar and asymmetric bars, ensuring gymnast safety
✅ Gymnova Equipment Maintenance (£4,473.00) – Upgrades to keep our high bars, springboards, and handrails in top condition

✨ Total Project Cost: £16,456.20 ✨

Thank you for helping us Leap to New Heights 💙

🔗 Support our campaign here: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/leap-to-new-heights-help-us-fund-a-new-trampoline

A Huge Thank You to Our Amazing Supporters! 🎉

We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has contributed to this campaign, whether through a monetary donation or by offering a reward. Your generosity is making a real difference!