Two novice cyclists joined Emma Mason and Susie Goss joined veteran Big Red Bike Club cyclists Steve Tull, Jay Masand and Annie and Matt Drewry to undertake our gruelling annual 100k bike ride in aid of the Big Red Bus Club. 

Although the amount is still to be counted cyclists have raised at least £2000 this year, with the novice cyclist doing an amazing job of training throughout the year to get ready for the big day. Emma Mason said;

"This charity challenge has been great in terms of raising money for a great cause, building cycling distance, fitness and fun. I've laughed so much and enjoyed exploring picturesque parts of London while getting fitter. A win, win for the Big Red Bus Club and me".

Riders who set off nine hours earlier and had spent just over seven hours in the saddle were greeted by volunteers and their families who welcomed the cyclists home to handmade banners and a well deserved burger. A huge thanks to Sue Christensen the support car driver, Helen O'kelly for the endless supply of brownies and Aum, Cat and Carl who organised an amazing volunteer BBQ.

A great day had by all.

Our free Baby Blues Choir meets in two locations every Friday, during term time. The details for each location is as follows:

*Mornings - 10am to 12 noon -Big Red Bus Club, Cemetery Lane Entrance Charlton Park, London SE7 8UB

Just roll up for a unique blend of catchy songs, relaxed choir teaching and under five stay and play, which all adds up to support  mums that feel a little isolated.

We are a group of mums, just waiting to welcome other mums.

So come along and spend time with your children, make new friends and get access to support and information on other services to help improve family wellbeing.

One mum summed us up;

"I love singing and I think it's good for wellbeing. My family is going through a very difficult time and it's good to some "positive" activities."

Here we are in action at our family Christmas concert;

The latest Baby Blues Choir news>> 

On September 30^th eight riders undertook a grueling 100 kilometer (65 miles in old money) bike ride in aid of the Big Red Bus Club Stephen Channing Annie Drewry, Matt Drewry, Val Hnachuk, Jay Masand, Ellie O’Leary, Steven Tull and Anthony White.

Although donations are still pouring in the day long ride has raised so far £3067.74 with a noticeable match funding donation of £317.50 from Marex Financial.

The route, which can be viewed online, started on the rolling hills to Gravesend, across the Tilbury Ferry and through the scenic parts of Dagenham and Rainham marshes before heading back to Charlton via the Woolwich Ferry.

View the route on Strava>>

It was a wonderful day, the sun shone, the wind was slight, and the riders enjoyed the day. The support vehicle staffed by Mike Graser and John Keys kept the riders fuelled and in peak physical condition throughout the day.

Val Hnuchuk who neither broke a sweat, or showed any signs of physical exertion lapped the other team members while videoing the whole day. What joy!

Please do take a look here on our Facebook page>>

Big Red Bus Club Chair, Clare Welburn said

"I am delighted with the effort, energy and enthusiasm of the Ferry Good Bike Ride team. Whilst getting fitter and faster on their bikes they have enabled the club to buy new equipment and improve our play centre. I am so grateful to everyone who got involved - whether they rode on the day or were part of the support crew or sponsored the cyclists. It was particularly exciting that two of the team employers were able to match fund their cyclists donations. Thanks again to everyone who made this happen".

What a great time we had today. Super worm was the story we explored and we we did this in loads of ways...

We had our tuft tray filled with slimy spaghetti and tweezers, as the children arrived that was the thing they all headed for. We had some worm play dough mats, where we had to make long worms and short worms. We also had a wonderful time with our new bug hunting equipment, looking for bugs outside. We found little jumping flies and worms and looking at a shiny spider web through a magnifying glass is so fascinating. 

Our sensory area was lit up with fish tubes and our disco lights. But what we all loved was the animals coming to visit. Colin the cockroach and Marvin the Millipede. We even fed some beaded dragons. 

We are a family wellbeing centre in the heart of Charlton Park, we provide a wonderful range of family led projects to support your whole families health, wellbeing within our communities - together we make friends. 

The Big Red Bus Club will remain closed throughout this national lockdown. 

Big Red Bus Club's Food Hub with Fareshare

Posted by Tara Masand · January 23, 2019 12:56 PM

That’s all folks

Posted by Annie Drewry · March 16, 2018 4:59 PM

Bringing some Mexican heat to a snowy day

Posted by Tara Masand · March 01, 2018 4:42 PM · 1 reaction

Local kids put their baking skills to the test today as they tried out the Big Red Bus Club’s new mud kitchen designed and created for us by the great volunteers at Men in Sheds.

A huge range of delights worthy of The Great British Bake Off were made, including worm spaghetti, leaf mould pastries and mud cakes.

Hours of fun was had as lucky kids took part in a volunteer preview day to test out our great new outdoor resource.

As regulars to the Big Red Bus Club know, our summer term will see a return of our Free Friday gardening club and this mud kitchen will be a great addition to our garden and external play spaces.

A regular user of the Big Red Bus Club, Oscar Massand, aged two and eight months, said’

“I enjoy playing in the mud kitchen and mixing leaves”.

It’s donations like these from Men in Shed’s and Mears, who donated the sink, which means we can stay free and open to all.

Thank you.

A big thanks to all the volunteers who came along today to plant two new borders. As ever it's a real hodge podge jasmine and honey suckle for the nose, gladioli to touch, a riot of colour for the eyes and an apple tree for tasting. Volunteers and thier children took advantage of the glorious weather to catch up with old friends and make some new ones.

As a charity every penny you spend hiring our wonderful venue and lovely equipment is spent right back in our community. By hiring us you are supporting our free Play Plus service for disabled children and their families or keeping our stay and plays open every day free of charge to local families.

You can hire us for 4 hours from either 10am-2pm or 2.30pm -6.30pm on Saturdays or Sundays for only £110.
Book us today with Skedda 

Our standard package 

Example timings based on 10am - 2pm booking 

10-10.30am setting up

10.30 – 1.30pm party activity

1.30pm – 2pm tidy up and removal of waste from site.

Included within hire

-          Indoor climbing frame
-          Kitchen with play food
-          Access to under five library
-          Large abacus
-          2 baby bouncers/ chairs  if needed
-          4 tables for under fives
-          20 under five chairs
-          8 adult chairs
-          Fixed outdoor equipment - unlimited access to outdoor play ground
-          Fully staffed tuck shop throughout
-          Trained and qualified staff assistance four hours

We also have a wide range of toys and equipment to hire.

Dinosaur soft play £45

5 hand painted dinosaur soft play
10 block type soft play 

Dinosaur and den £85

5 hand painted  dinosaur soft play
4ft sensory den with internal lighting and blue tooth speakers

Sensory den package £85

4ft sensory den with internal lighting and blue tooth speakers (large music selection available) Assorted sensory balls 10 sensory blocks
Large sensory play mat
Mirror carousel

Ball pit package £55

Ball pit
10 soft play items 

Soft play bonanza £155

4ft sensory den with internal lighting and blue tooth speakers (large music selection available)
10 piece soft play package
5 piece dinosaur package
Ball pit
2 play tunnels

Outdoor toy package £15 (not shown)

2 tomy cars for under fives
1 two child ride on
4 one child three wheel scooter
4 push along doll prams
1 wooden see saw

Other equipment available 

Tea urn £10
Bubble machine with 1ltr of solution £25
Aura Optic light projector and Aroma therapy diffuser (a selection of oils available) £25
Six foot banquet table and adult chairs £7 per table

Book us today with Skedda 

If you have a equipment booking account code please let us know when booking.