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Jam-packed with activities for the kids, it would have been a mistake not to start with our FREE Easter Egg Hunt around the whole centre, a fantastic way to burn off some steam. Did you manage to find all 6 eggs for a chocolatey prize?

But if you didn’t fancy any chocolate (which is certainly a mistake at Easter), Shake Shack and Lucca’s Pizza Van were cooking up a storm, selling a delicious array of drinks and bites to eat. Plus, with our mini biscuit decorating station for only 50p, there was nothing to go wrong!

Decked out in the finest rainbow balloons, the centre was definitely a dazzling spectacle to behold. As always, GNG Disco led the way with the perfect set of tunes and party games for the occasion. Our bouncy castle and colouring-in competition definitely brought in the crowds- make sure to check our Facebook page to see if you’ve won a prize! The selection of stalls was certainly the best I’ve ever seen- everything from handmade toys to flower bouquets, upcycled clothes to incredible cakes, ceramics to raffle prizes, sparkly jewellery, sparkly tattoos and even sparkly hair extensions!

Readily prepped for the sportiest of us all, Football Squirts held the most fantastic football challenges outside, with Easter egg prizes galore. There’s certainly some amazing kickers around Great Park! And we can’t forget Dr Bike, kindly sorting out all your cycling needs.

And since it’s Easter, we couldn’t forget the bunnies! A GPCC first, Plantpots mini barn was a surefire-hit with the kids, with a chance to meet some real-life rabbits and eggs waiting to hatch into spring-time chicks! Couldn’t get enough of the fluff? If you played our ‘Guess the Name of the Bunny’, you might’ve been able to take home your very own giant furry friend, kindly donated by ASDA. But the star of the show had to be… drumroll please… our very own Peter Rabbit coming for a very special visit to GPCC! We hope you made sure to grab a picture and a cottontail hug before you left!

So that’s it! We hope you had the most phenomenal time and a brilliant Easter weekend. A massive thanks to all our stallholders and patrons to make this event so wonderful. Make sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more updates like this!

Join us for an Easter-Filled Fun Day!

On Sunday 24th March 11-3pm, get ready for the most amazing family event here at GPCC. We are hosting the most exciting egg hunt here at Great Park so make sure to find them all to receive your very own chocolatey prize!

And, for the first time ever, GPCC is hosting our very own indoor barn! Come in to see LIVE chicks and rabbits in the centre (if you’re lucky you might even be able to see the eggs hatch before the event!).

In addition, there’s a whole host of activities to join in with: a sensational disco, party games, crafting, bouncy castle, market stalls- the list goes on and on!
A perfect way for the kids (and adults) to blow off some steam, Football Squirts will be running an exclusive set of football activities suitable for all ages to get some fresh air. Not to mention, Dr Bike is ready to fix all of your cycling needs!

And whilst you’re at it, why not take home a scrumptious Shake Shack milkshake or even a full fire-baked pizza from Lucca’s Pizza Van!
For free entry, there’s nothing to lose so make sure to pop in! A special cottontail visitor will surely make it worth your while!

The festive season is in full swing at GPCC!

Party time!

Kicking off the holiday celebrations, the Children’s Christmas party was a surefire hit with all the crowd. The best way to warm up from the cold, GNG Disco’s fabulous tunes and party games were perfect for a little Christmas boogie. Complete with our classic bouncy castle and soft play combo, it was the best opportunity for the kids to blow off some steam and feel the Christmas spirit.

But of course, we couldn’t just stop there. As part of our exclusive party package, each child got to paint their very own Christmas tealight holder, the perfect homemade gift for loved ones and the prettiest way to spice up your mantelpiece. What’s more, our reindeer dust and glitter tattoo stations were the most magical way to keep busy, with Great Park Shake Shack on hand with their exclusive, limited-edition Christmas shakes and coffee for a special festive treat.

And finally, the big man himself, Santa Ste! In our very own transformed Christmas grotto, Father Christmas was here to listen to all your Christmas wishes, just in time before heading back to the North Pole. But not before giving a special gift to unwrap and take home- we hope you enjoyed your new books!

Christmas Market

The fun wasn’t over yet though, with Sunday marking our annual Christmas market. It was definitely the event of the season, with a massive array of stalls full to the brim with goodies. From fragrances to gift sets, toys and sweets, hair glitter, accessories, artwork and more, there was definitely something for all the family. The highlight of the event had to be the tremendous Ravenswood Carol Singers, providing a heartwarming and cheerful rendition of all your Christmas favourites.

And there has to be a whole section dedicated to the food. Jam Jar food truck brought the most mouth-watering burgers to the centre, with Desserts Delivered bringing their festive cakes with delicious indian snacks. And Christmas can’t be Christmas without mulled wine (or Great Park Shake Shack milkshakes for the kids)! With an array of promising delights from Made by Hollie.

Since Christmas is also a time for giving, at GPCC we always endeavor to provide opportunities to help those in need. Shout out to Radio Lollipop whose work provides care and joy to children in hospital and to Brenda selling her soft toys for charity. And taking a more sustainable approach to gifts this year, our Christmas toy swap was an eco-friendly way to get rid of old clutter in exchange for new pre-loved items.

All in all, we hope you had a great time at our events. Remember to follow all of our socials to keep up with future events. Have a wonderful Christmas and see you in the new year!

Something peculiar was happening inside GPCC on 29th October…

The annual children’s Halloween Party of course! A smash hit with everyone who came, the centre was prepared for the most ghoulishly exciting event of the year. Didn’t get tickets? Don’t worry- we won’t let you miss out on the highlights!

The centre underwent its most fiendish transformation yet, full of the most spine-tingling decorations we have ever pulled out. There was absolutely no shortage of cobwebs or pumpkins, with monsters lurking in every corner, and we mustn't forget our fabulous Halloween windows! It was truly a whimsical world of ghosts and ghouls-the perfect setting for a petrifying party.

Speaking of party, we can’t forget the main event: the disco! GNG Disco put together the spookiest setlist, sure to make anyone get up on their feet and dance. Everyone pulled out the stops with their costumes, from witches to superheroes, pumpkins to skeletons- I think I even saw a Minecraft creeper!

But even if you needed a break from boogieing, there was plenty to get up to. Soft play for the little ones, bouncy castle, party games, creepy Halloween crafts and the highlight of the session: a fantastic custom trick-or-treat bag to take home from the wonderful ArtVentures.

Great Park Shake Shack was also here to provide the nicest drinks and the sweetest treats for everyone. Their phenomenal Halloween milkshakes are definitely some of the best in town- come down to try their terrific selection on weekdays and events. And Halloween wouldn’t be complete without the sweet bags of course- we hope you didn’t forget to collect one as part of your ticket!

All in all, it was a sensational day at the centre and the perfect way to celebrate the spooky season with the community. Make sure to stay tuned with all of our socials so you never miss an event like this! I think I hear jingle bells coming soon…

Buying or selling your home? Don’t understand the process of a will? Need some FREE advice?

The amazing Cooklaw Solicitors Ltd are offering monthly drop-in sessions here at GPCC to solve all of your conveyancing and probate queries, at absolutely NO COST.

From guidance on solicitor finance to property information, Cooklaw Solicitors endeavour to assist clients with all their needs, irrespective of how far they are along the process. With strong personal and local business connections to the area, they understand the intricacies of the Great Park estate and make it their mission to equip people with the essential knowledge they need in a professional and friendly manner. With a full department dedicated to new-build properties, they pride ourselves on delivering swift and quality advice, enabling clients to feel confident with a process that almost everyone will undertake in their lifetime. Ultimately, their founder’s vision is to make conveyancing and wills an accessible and easy business process for all, making Cooklaw the ideal company for your circumstances.

All sessions run every last THURSDAY OF THE MONTH 6-7PM Drop In.

For further information, please do not hesitate to contact the details below.
T:0191 567 7244 F: 0191 567 7255
E: info@cooklaw.co.uk W:www.cooklaw.co.uk

Cooklaw Solicitors
58 Frederick Street
Sunderland
SR1 1NF

GPCC are dedicated to collaborate with businesses that work with the community for the community.

Hello Summer!

Our Summer Beach Party Event on 30th July was a huge hit with everyone who came. From the excellent party tunes (special thanks to GNG Disco) to our free treasure hunt and crafts, there was something for all the family to take part in. We even managed to persuade the sun to come out just for the day!

Outside the Centre, Halfords was running one of their free Dr Bike sessions and a charity e-bike ride a la ‘Tour de Great Park’- the perfect activity for a sunny day. To reward all the incredible efforts, Scotty’s ice cream van and The Sizzling Griddle were available to for some delicious hot food and ice cream, making it the perfect summer BBQ treat.

Decked out in its finest beachy clothes, the Centre was packed with people coming to join in our numerous attractions. Needing a quick drink to cool down? Our Tiki Bar was stocked with an assortment of fruity cocktails to enjoy (complete with tiny umbrellas!), with Great Park Shake Shack providing some incredible-looking milkshakes as a child-friendly alternative. Our selfie station was ready for action, decked out with every prop imaginable, with the best picture winning an amazing beach kit and a cheeky bottle of gin. We also couldn’t forget our fabulous raffle with hampers kindly donated by Taylor Wimpey.

There was also plenty of free activities to take part in, with kids dashing about trying to complete our pirate treasure hunt for a drink and a shiny chocolate coin or adding to our beautifully vibrant window beach scene with their colouring-in creations in our crafting competition. To keep up the good vibes, our disco was the perfect way to blow off some steam and celebrate with some summer bangers. As part of our main event, there were plenty of stalls with lots to offer, from cake to hair tinsel, sweets, sensory autistic equipment and even glitter tattoos sported by some of our team!

Overall, the event was a fantastic success- a massive thanks to everyone who came and got involved.

Remember to check all GPCC socials to keep up with events like this in the future!

BGr8 Football Coaching is becoming a prominent coaching provider based in GPCC, dedicated to unlocking the potential a range of players of all ages. Led by experienced coaches Scott Gibson and Alan Stobbart, BGr8 offers a range of training opportunities for individuals and groups seeking to enhance their skills and game. Their comprehensive approach goes beyond technical development; emphasising principles such as self-discipline, teamwork, and mutual respect, the ethos of football as anyone would agree. Their rounded approach enables individuals to grow from an early age to progress to their personal goals or to give them confidence to be part of a team.

Through partnerships with Great Park Juniors and the Great Park Community Centre, BGr8 encourages a sense of community and provides valuable resources for players and families. With planning, preparation, and a commitment to excellence, BGr8 Football Coaching is transforming children’s lives by creating an inclusive and supportive environment where players can thrive. Through a balance of structured training sessions and playful learning, BGr8 uses various technology to measure skill and dynamics. With a pool of coaches who are friendly, approachable, and vigilant they enable the individual to remain focused on their goal.

To learn more about BGr8 Football Coaching and the opportunities they offer, visit their website at https://bgr8footballcoaching.com. From beginner players to experienced athletes, BGr8 welcomes individuals and coaches seeking to elevate their game. With a focus on player growth, community involvement, and expert coaching, BGr8 Football Coaching is reshaping the football experience, it is motivating players to reach their highest potential and beyond. Join the BGr8 community and embark on a footballing journey that combines skill development, teamwork, and a passion for the beautiful game.

Father’s Day Football

On June 14, the Plantpots Playgroup hosted a brilliant Father's Day Football session. This event saw numerous dads, saunter in, ready to showcase their football prowess. Little did they know, their tiny counterparts, who had already mastered the art of dribbling and dodging from early teething tantrums, were prepared for the challenge.

BGr8 coach Scott Gibson ran the engaging event, after being brought in to do so by Plantpots Playgroup, a testament to the creativity and dedication of the Plantpots staff. The sight of dads and children gleefully romping around, the sun casting a warm glow on their smiles, was a spectacle to behold. In the backdrop, The Great Park Shake Shack cooked up some tasty bacon sandwiches and the comforting scent of brewing coffee added an inviting touch to the day.

The Montessori approach of Plantpots goes beyond education; it emphasises play as a vital part of a child's growth. This event wonderfully mirrored the Montessori ethos, encouraging self-discipline, cooperative play, and mutual respect through joyful engagement.

Children's laughter echoed around the field as they playfully tackled their fathers, scoring goals, and creating beautiful memories. Through events like these, Plantpots illuminates the powerful role of familial love, care, and involvement in a child's development. The school's vision truly echoes their motto: "nurturing the seed to help your child bloom and develop to their highest potential."

The playgroups comprehensive program offers a nurturing and stimulating environment that promotes a child's individual growth. Key principles such as boundary respect, self-development, curriculum understanding, outdoor exploration, and community involvement are instilled in the children through playful learning.

Plantpots, being conveniently located near a bus stop and within walking distance for many families, is a crucial resource for the community. Their schedule from 9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday, allows parents easy access for drop-offs and pickups.

The valuable partnership with GPCC facilitates the creation of numerous unique events and activities. The excellent professionalism and communication by GPCC staff ensure a smooth, enriching experience for everyone involved.

For more information, you can reach Plantpots at plantpotsplaygroup@gmail.com or call 0191 816 1666.

Are you passionate about keeping your community clean and beautiful? Join us for the upcoming litter pick event at Great Park, organised by Mark Graham & Michelle Castledine. This event aims to bring together community members to clean up the park and create a more enjoyable space for everyone.

The litter pick is scheduled for Saturday, May 13th, with volunteers meeting at 9am at the Great Park Community Centre. The clean up will last for around 2 hours, and participants will be provided with all the necessary equipment, including litter pickers.

As a token of appreciation, Asda will generously provide refreshments for all volunteers after the event at the community centre. This is a great opportunity to give back to your community, meet new people, and contribute to the maintenance of Great Park.

If you would like to participate in the litter pick event, please reach out so you can be added to the list of volunteers. Your support is invaluable in keeping our park clean, beautiful, and enjoyable for everyone. Thank you for your commitment to the community and the environment!

Welcome to The Great Park Blog! Today, we're shining the spotlight on a fantastic feature of our community: The GPCC Free Play Offer. This initiative aims to provide a safe, inclusive space for children to engage in recreational activities and nurture their social skills.

Available at the Great Park Community Centre, our Free Play Offer is open every day from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm, inviting children under 17 to enjoy our Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) and 3G pitch (subject to availability). Please note that children must be supervised by a guardian during these sessions and although we provide some sports equipment you are also free to bring your own to site.

Promoting Health and Wellbeing through Play
Our Free Play Offer is designed to encourage children to stay active and develop their physical abilities while fostering social interaction and teamwork. By participating in various games and activities, children not only exercise their bodies but also their minds, enhancing their overall wellbeing.

Get Involved: Play, Share, Connect
The Free Play Offer embodies the spirit of camaraderie and unity within the Great Park community. We invite you to bring your children to the centre, explore the facilities, and make the most of this fantastic opportunity for play and socialisation.

We also encourage you to spread the word about this initiative to friends, family, and neighbours. The more families that know about and participate in the Free Play Offer, the more vibrant and connected our community will become.

Thank you for joining us on The Great Park Blog. Stay tuned for more updates and stories from our centre and its community!