Following the recent purchase of new kit for all our teams in the summer, Ian Page the Under 11’s manager decided to collect all the old kit in from his team but was soon left wondering what should be done with it.

Thanks to a suggestion made by our Treasurer, Jayne Baggott, she was able to put us in touch with GAFSIP (Gambia & Avon Fire Service in Partnership) who for the past 15 years have been raising funds to pay for the transport of donated goods which assist the Gambian people achieve their own objectives toward self sufficiency.

Subsequently, our old kit was handed over to Claire Hutchings at Patchway Fire Station on Friday 27^th October and is due to be sent out to Gambia on 3^rd November.  Claire said “both David and I go out to Gambia at least 3 times each year and the kit will be donated to the children of Albion School which is situated in Banjul, the capital of Gambia.  "They love sport and I know they are going to love wearing this kit” she said.

Pictured: Claire Hutchings of GAPSIF receiving the kit from two lads from our current Under 11's Team backed by Fireman from Patchway Fire Station.

David Hutchings a retired Fire Officer of the Avon Fire Brigade, started the foundation after experiencing at first hand the death of a family of 6 through the lack of basic fire equipment, whilst on holiday in Gambia in 1991. 

Having gained the support of the Fire Service a charitable trust was set up and since his retirement in 2001, David has continued to facilitate the activities between Avon Fire and Rescue Service, other supporters in the UK and The Gambia Fire and Ambulance Service.

David is now assisted by his wife Claire, who has established a formal link with The Gambian Authorities to provide specific support for education, in liaison with Ndey Bakurin, wife of the Chief Fire Officer of The Gambian Fire and Ambulance Service.

For further information on GAFSIP please visit their website at www.GAFSIP.org.

Both David and Claire have assured us that they will provide pictures of the boys wearing the kit on they’re return so look out for these during December.