Flinders Founders report July 2008

The official Opening of the Teen Park took place on Monday May 5th when over 100 young people of all ages came along to try out the Skate Park and BMX track and enjoy a Bar-B-Q, drinks and refreshments. John Chambers from The Youth Capital Fund was there to see Melanie Bristow of Flinders Founders cut the ribbon while Amy Bristow made the opening speech.

What a great facility the new Teen Park is. A place of their own for Teenagers to hang out, skate, cycle and BMX. Now it is up and running it is up to young people to take care of it and make sure it is used properly by all those who go down there. The Teen Park is for Teenagers. 11 - 19 years olds can use the Teen Park whenever they like as long as they take care of it and respect it.  Children under the age of 11 should not be there unless they are with an older sibling or their parents.

Teen Park Development

The building of the skate area and the BMX track is only the start. Flinders Founders have consulted with the Teen Park users and now they are making plans for Phase 2 and Phase 3.

Phase 2

Install a 3 way box a grind box and 2 grind rails

Build a proper pathway from the entrance to the skate area

Provide litter bins

Put up a welcome sign with important information

Phase 3

Install lighting for use in the winter on a restricted use time switch

Create a proper frontage with fencing and gates

Phase 4

Provide some adventure equipment for those who don't want to skate or BMX 

But all this takes time, effort and money! A big thanks to Joanne Gisby of Flinders Founders who gives up so much time to look for funding and make the applications.

Flinders Founders have just received funding for signage from Flash Fund so this will be installed soon.

Unfortunately the bid for £30,000 from the Youth Capital Fund for the extra equipment, pathways and litter bins was turned down so Flinders Founders will have to try again.  But we will not give up and we will get the funding - but remember - look after what you have got or no-one will give us any more funding.

Flinders Founders have received £3,000 from the Bicker Wind Farm Trust for lighting but this is not enough so another application to the Co-op has gone in for another £3,000.

Teen Park News

Keep your eyes open for events over the summer holidays - Flinders Founders are planning another Bar-B-Q and some special skate days for skate board training and trick cycling plus some BMX race days - so keep practising those tricks.

Funding has been applied for to supply some skate boards, protective clothing and training so new people can have a go.  If this Kellogg's funding bid is successful look out for the posters.

Flinders Founders Annual General Meeting

This will be at Select Timber Offices (behind the duck pond down Mill Lane) on Wednesday 10 September 2008 starting at 7.00pm.

If you are between 11 and 19 and want to be a part of this fantastic group - who do not just sit around moaning and whingeing but get out there and get things done - then come along.  New members welcome.  The election of the management committee and the officers for the year will take place at this meeting.  You have to be in it to have a say - so come along.

Award Winners

On Tuesday 29 July Flinders Founders members Connor Medlock, Melanie Bristow, Joanne Gisby and Scott Sandall went to Nottingham to receive their East Midlands Community Heritage Award.  The group received a certificate and collected £100 to spend on dining out and were entered into the national competition - when the prizes are even better!!  

Donington In Bloom

Flinders Founders continue to maintain their Silverside day which looks especially lovely this year. This is one of many bays which are cared for by different groups in the village to improve the appearance of Donington and promote the village’s entry in the East Midlands in Bloom scheme. See pages 6 & 7 for more.

Party in the Park 19^th July 2008

Thanks to: Story to Tell, Verax, Reaction, Ricky D, Josie Clifton, Chemical Sound, Vogue, Kim & Jessica, Claire Priestley, and The Diplomats. And to Jonny P and Jamie who kept the evening flowing with their DJ ing.

The iffy weather kept some people away but there were enough people there to give a great atmosphere and the performers were terrific.  If you missed out - then make sure you don't miss it next year! 

A big thank you also to Bob Hilton, James Hannam and all the other marshalls; to Fruitex for provi ding their trailer and to Terry for getting it into the field so skilfully; to Thomas Cowley High School for allowing us to use the field and the loan of their drums; to St John Ambulance for providing first aid cover; to Ryan Ellis our P.C.S.O for being at the event; to the Parish Council for their financial help and their stalls; to the Co-op for the ice; to Jacks for providing cut price fish 'n' chips; to S.H.D.C for the barriers; to Anna and Jackie for their gazebos; to Spike for helping with the sound systems; to Mr Naylor and his family for their funfair (and we wish Mr Naylor all the best in his fight against cancer); to residents of Donington for their co-operation and to everyone who came along.

All the money made will get ploughed back into improving Donington for young people.

Kwizz Night and Karaoke Friday 19th September

Please note that the re-arranged Family Fun Kwizz and Karaoke evening will now go ahead on Friday 19th September at Donington Community Centre. Doors open 6.30pm. For more information please contact a Flinders Founders committee member. Thank you.