Over the years our society has raised more than £18,000 for charity.
New Captain Rona Barford has chosen Thames Valley Adventure Playground as her official charity for 2010-2011.
The OFSTED-registered Playground offers an exceptional range of adventurous, therapeutic and educational play activities for children and adults with all types of disability in a safe, caring and stimulating environment.
Wheelchair-accessible roundabouts and swings, elevated walkways, bucket seats with safety harnesses enabling them to whizz down a zipwire, sensory rooms to stimulate and relax, with specially-trained staff to provide help and support are just a few of the things on offer. Last year more than 10,000 visits were made to TVAP.
On-site care is provided by 6 full time and 10 sessional staff, a loyal band of volunteers and a voluntary Board of Trustees. With less than 5% of its £300,000 a year costs coming from local authority funding, the support of the community is crucial. Nearly 70% of the money needed is raised through grants, donations and fundraising activities.
Ladies' Sponsored Walk - 22nd May 2010
In scorching heat on a glorious Saturday in May, the intrepid team of Rona Barford, Rosemary Heneghan, Gilly Macmeeken, Brenda Moss, Jane Tozer, and Shelley Harrington set off on a 10 mile hike to raise money for TVAP. While some looked for excuses to stay away, Sheila Dickie squeezed in 5 miles between family commitments.
The team started at the Adventure Playground and wandered along the Jubilee River, joined by waterfowl, ponies, bicycles, and beneficiaries of TVAP in wheelchairs. The path then meandered through parkland and countryside to reach the Thames where waterfowl gave way to cabin cruisers, canal boats, stately homes (including Windsor Castle), and unidentified flora. A (too) brief stop for refreshment at Boveney Weir Lock allowed us to enjoy the slow pace of the river before the final 5 mile stretch back to base.
Click the image to view a photo gallery of the day (launches in a new window).
Unlimited free Mars bars and lots of water sustained the trekkers, as well as the good wishes and donations of BGS members, family and friends who helped raise more than £1,165. A big thanks to all of you, with a special appreciation from Rona to the ladies who walked (and to Shelley who spent her birthday with us, giving an excuse for an extra glass of wine at lunch). There's still time to donate on the team's JustGiving page.
| Year | Website | Supported Charity | Amount |
| 2010 |  |
Thames Valley Adventure Playground - for children & adults with special needs. A further £1,165 was raised from the Ladies' Sponsored Walk. |
£197 |
| 2009 |  |
Andover Mind - For better mental health. Your local mental health charity. | £1,230 |
2008 |
|
The Rowans Hospice - Specialist palliative care to those with life-limiting illness. |
£1,460 |
2007 |
|
Action Medical Research - The forward thinking charity. A further £1,980 was raised during the London-to-Paris Charity Bike Ride. |
£1,185 |
2006 |
|
Action Medical Research - Give and let live. |
£1,200 |
2005 |
|
Naomi House Children's Hospice - Care and support for good days, difficult days and last days. |
£725 |
2004 |
|
Naomi House Children's Hospice - Care and support for good days, difficult days and last days. |
£1,370 |
2003 |
|
Naomi House Children's Hospice - Care and support for good days, difficult days and last days. |
£860 |
2002 |
|
The Stroke Association -Working for a world where there are fewer strokes and all those touched by stroke get the help they need. |
£918 |
2001 |
|
The Stroke Association -Working for a world where there are fewer strokes and all those touched by stroke get the help they need. |
£1,010 |
2000 |
|
The Alzheimers Society - Dementia care and research. |
£858 |
1999 |
|
Action Medical Research - The forward thinking charity. |
£885 |
1998 |
|
SCOPE - About Cerebral Palsy. For disabled people achieving equality. |
£750 |
1997 |
|
Diabetes UK - The charity for people with diabetes. |
£874 |
1996 |
|
The National Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Children - Cruelty to children must stop. FULL STOP. |
£960 |
1995 |
|
The National Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Children - Cruelty to children must stop. FULL STOP. |
£611 |
1994 |
|
The National Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Children - Cruelty to children must stop. FULL STOP. |
£780 |
1993 |
|
The National Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Children - Cruelty to children must stop. FULL STOP. |
£303 |
