News & Events

New Leadership Role for Tash

We’re delighted to announce that Natasha (Tash) Crabbe has been promoted to Head of Recreational Gymnastics and Coaching Academy Leader, effective from March 2025!

Tash joined us in May 2024 as a Level 2 Women’s Artistic and Preschool Coach, and it didn’t take long for her passion, creativity, and energy to shine. With big ideas for the growth of our recreational gymnastics programme — and an exciting vision for supporting and developing our young coaching volunteers — this new leadership role couldn’t be a better fit.

Tash brings boundless enthusiasm to everything she does (along with the world’s most colourful to-do list), and she’s already hard at work making plans to improve, expand, and inspire across both the gym floor and the Coaching Academy.

We’re so excited to see where she takes this — congratulations, Tash!

Congratulations Kerry!

With the club continuing to grow and Mandie’s duties as Centre Manager increasing, we are delighted to announce that Kerry McAuliffe was promoted to Office Manager in February 2025!

Kerry has been a familiar (and friendly!) face at Forest of Dean Gymnastics Club since November 2011, when she first joined us as a receptionist. Over the years, Kerry hasn’t just kept the front desk running smoothly — she’s helped to implement countless systems and procedures behind the scenes, keeping everything from bookings to birthday parties in order!

Somewhere along the way, she also found herself roped into preschool gymnastics sessions, becoming a much-loved assistant in our youngest classes — proof that at FODGC, multitasking really is a superpower!

We are thrilled to have Kerry taking on this important role. With her years of experience, attention to detail, and ability to juggle about ten things at once (often with a smile and a cup of tea in hand), we know the office is in very safe hands.

Congratulations Kerry — we’re so lucky to have you!

New Leadership Team Announced

Following Lynn’s well-earned retirement, we’re thrilled to introduce the new dream team leading Forest of Dean Gymnastics Club into its next chapter!

Mandie Adams officially became our Centre Manager on 1st April 2024.
Mandie has been holding the fort (and most of the paperwork!) since March 2016 as our Centre Administrator. She knows this club inside out — how it works, what it needs, and most importantly, how to keep everything moving forward with care and determination. Passionate about the club and its future, Mandie brings heart, humour, and a no-nonsense approach to the role. (And yes, she still finds time to rescue the occasional lost water bottle)

Tom Elliott, our powerhouse Level 5 Coach, stepped into the role of Director of Coaching on the same day.
Tom joined the club in September 2022 and quickly became a driving force behind the development of our coaching programme. Known for his laser focus, high standards, and tireless dedication to gymnast progress, Tom brings both structure and ambition to his new leadership role. If he had his way, we’d probably be training 7 days a week — but luckily, he also believes in balance!

We feel incredibly lucky to have two such capable, committed, and genuinely lovely people leading the way.

Please join us in saying a big congratulations to Mandie and Tom — the future of FODGC is in very good hands!

Lynn Hammersley retires after nearly 48 years!

It’s hard to believe but after nearly 48 years, Lynn is finally going to put her feet up and retire this Thursday 28th March 2024!

This centre would not be here if it wasn’t for Lynn’s hard work and determination. Over the years, thousands of gymnasts have benefited from Lynn’s coaching and guidance. Lynn’s passion for gymnastics has made a lasting impact on their lives.

As Lynn enters this new chapter of her life, we want to thank her for the invaluable contribution she has made to the club. Her hard work, commitment, and dedication has helped shape our gymnasts into the talented individuals they are today.

We hope that she fully enjoys her well-deserved retirement and take pride in the legacy she has built at the Forest Of Dean Gymnastic Club. Lynn’s tireless efforts and love for the sport will always be remembered.

The centre has been decorated to mark Lynn’s last week with us, you are welcome to call in to have a look and say goodbye..

Thank you Lynn, enjoy your next chapter…

Gloucestershire Amateur Gymnastics Association presents award to Lynn Hammersley