Blog

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!

Welcome to The Great Park Blog! Today, we're focusing on an interesting feature of our community: The GPCCHonesty Library. This unique library operates on a simple principle – take a book, give one back – promoting the love of reading and the spirit of sharing in our community.

Located within the Great Park Community Centre, the Library is a place where residents can access a wide variety of books for free. The library operates on trust, with no formal check-out system, allowing for a convenient and relaxed reading experience.

Children's Books: The Heart of Our Collection
While we appreciate book donations of all kinds (when we have the space!), we're especially interested in receiving children's books. These tend to be well-loved and heavily used, making it essential to replenish the collection regularly. By donating children's books, you'll contribute to the education and imagination of our community's younger members.

Get Involved: Donate, Read, Share
The Honesty Library is a testament to the spirit of sharing and cooperation within the Great Park community. We invite you to visit the library, browse the collection, and take home a book that captures your interest. When you're finished, simply return the book and, if possible, donate another one to keep the cycle going.

We also encourage you to share this unique resource with friends, family, and neighbours. The more people who know about and contribute to the Honesty Library, the richer and more diverse our collection 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!

Hello and welcome to The Great Park Blog! We're excited to share this space with you as we celebrate the incredible community of Great Park. Whether you're a new visitor or a long-time resident, this blog is your go-to source for all the latest news, events, and stories from the Great Park Community Centre, local businesses, and charities.

Discover Our Community:
Our blog will feature a diverse range of content that showcases the uniqueness of the Great Park community. Here's a glimpse of what you can expect:

Community Centre News: Stay updated on all the happenings at the Great Park Community Centre, from new programs and events to facility updates and staff highlights. We'll keep you informed about how our center continues to foster connections and create a positive impact on the community.

Local Business Spotlight: Great Park is home to many fantastic local businesses, and we're excited to share their stories. Learn more about the entrepreneurs behind these businesses and discover how their passion and dedication contribute to the vibrancy of our community.

Charity Features: We'll highlight the amazing work of local charities and non-profit organisations that tirelessly strive to make Great Park an even better place to live. Explore their inspiring stories and find out how you can get involved and support their efforts.

Community Stories: The people of Great Park are what make our community truly special. We'll share heartwarming stories and personal experiences of local residents, showcasing the diverse backgrounds, talents, and passions that enrich our community.

Events and Activities: Never miss out on upcoming events and activities in the area. We'll provide you with all the details you need to stay informed and get involved in the fun and excitement that Great Park has to offer.

Join the Conversation:
We believe that a strong community thrives on open communication and active participation. If you would like to feature please get in touch!

We're thrilled to welcome you to The Great Park Blog and can't wait to share our vibrant community's stories, news, and events with you. Together, let's celebrate what makes our community truly great!