A 30-year-old bouncy castle known as 'tiger' was stolen by thieves leaving a Newcastle community devastated .
Dunns Terrace's summer play scheme's memorable bouncy castle was ripped away from them in the early hours of April 18. Tiger was used in every event they held for families and children throughout the year in Byker.
Annette Patten, a member of the play scheme for 20 years said: “This bouncy castle has been kind of iconic to the Dunns Terrace community. It has served many of the parents who once used it as children themselves.
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“It has been an amazing tool for integration with refugees that moved into our community many years ago, helping the children to engage with each other. It has been used for Jubilees, VE day celebrations, everything,
“And to think now some think it is OK to sneak through the community in the dark of the night and steal the children's fun. This act has undoubtedly upset the whole community even adults who have left who have fond memories of using the play scheme and are upset and angry at this disgusting act. This bouncy castle, the trolley, and generator, etc were locked in a hobby room provided free to us by Byker Trust/Karbon Homes and had been safe for several years until now.”
Melissa Davies, the play scheme organiser, said: “We started raising money for this summer play scheme all year by holding fundraising events on Halloween, Christmas, and Easter. Last Sunday we organised an Easter hunt fundraiser. But the day after we were devastated to hear about the long-lasting bouncy castle being stolen. We are organising a skydive and bungee jumping for sponsors to help fundraise for not just a new bouncy castle but for kids to have a good summer.”
Another member, Nicola Ludbrook, 32 from Walker said: “It’s a shame we have lost the bouncy castle which made children look forward to the events we held. A lot of kids in this area (Byker) are deprived and are in need of having fun for free. This has been taken away from them.
“This bouncy castle has more meaning to me as it has been with me and my family for almost thirty years, I remember my uncle taking good care of it when it was first bought, thirty years ago, he is no longer with us and now this being stolen it has upset me a lot.”
A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “Shortly before 11.30 am on Monday, we received a report of a theft of a bouncy castle on Northumberland Terrace.
“Enquiries into the theft are going. Anyone with CCTV of the area or information is asked to visit our website’s ‘Tell us Something’ section and quote log 20220418-0357.”
To raise money for a new bouncy castle, Nicola and other members of the team have started a GoFundMe page this can be visited here
To learn more about DT Summer Playscheme visit.
Are you a victim of theft too? Share your experience in the comments below.
