The Forest of Dean Gymnastics and Fitness Center in Coleford will undergo urgent repairs necessary to run the center after the roof of the 30-year-old building began to leak, causing damage to expensive equipment and appliances.
The facility has been a staple in the local community for decades, training children and teens, allowing them to grow through movement while improving their confidence, strength, flexibility and developing new skills in a safe and supportive environment.
In preparation for an ongoing wet winter, the center needs essential repairs to its roof and hopes this will soon be possible thanks to a £1,500 donation from the Barratt Homes Community Fund.
Lyn Hammersley, Director of Forest of Dean Gymnastics and Fitness, has been awarded an MBE in the 2020 New Year Honors for services to Gymnastics, Fitness and the Forest of Dean community – after more than 45 years of commitment.
She said:’Having built the center from the ground up, I have seen it transform into a place that produces champions and inspires the next generation – all while providing a community hub that brings families from the Forest of Dean together.
Gymnasts from the club recently claimed multiple gold and silver medals from the Gloucestershire Classic Challenge Championships in November 2023.
Although this is an important step toward saving the space, the center is still calling for donations to help with these essential repairs. Donations can be made by contacting Hammersley directly through the center’s website.