THE "jumping castle" has been a phenomenon as it has bulged and bounced its way into the Australian culture over the past few decades.
A big percentage of adult Australians, however, have never experienced the weightless atmosphere.
The jumping castle arrived too late for many to experience the thrills and spills during their childhood. But a growing number of the deprived are trying to catch up.
JUMPING castles now are on the list for adult occasions, especially 40th birthday parties, says Victoria Point’s Judy Folster, who with her husband Mark operates Redlands Jumping Castles.
The amazing social trend of 40-something ‘jumpaholics’ could be a good one for Mel and Kochie to debate on Sunrise but the breweries have no need yet to worry about their core business.
The ‘born-again jumpers’ have good, clean fun foremost in their minds -- jumping castles are mandatory alcohol-free zones.
Judy and Mark’s 10-castle firm, which has featured in the Redland Times Fast Find Services, dates from 2000.
The amazing social trend of 40-something ‘jumpaholics’ could be a good one for Mel and Kochie to debate on Sunrise but the breweries have no need yet to worry about their core business.
The ‘born-again jumpers’ have good, clean fun foremost in their minds -- jumping castles are mandatory alcohol-free zones.
Judy and Mark’s 10-castle firm, which has featured in the Redland Times Fast Find Services, dates from 2000.
JUDY says the inspiration for the venture came from her daughter, Lauren, who was born in 1997, just before the family moved to the Redlands.
Mum saw the great joy that her baby daughter gained from toys -- and promptly set up Victoria Point Toy Library as a small business she could operate from home, importing a range of exciting toys.
Lauren’s interest in jumping castles then prompted Judy to look at a new business theme.
She says she sold the toy library, which now operates in South Australia, and graduated into a new field.
REDLANDS Jumping Castles has a website, is a member of the Australian Amusement Association and meets the highest standards of safety and work with children, Judy says.
It services a wide area of south-east Queensland, with regular appearances at club and church fundraisers and community events at prestigious venues including Brisbane Convention Centre.
Judy is proud to have supported the Redlands police Citizens Youth Club blue-light discos since the firm started with just one 4m by 4m castle. The next disco will be on April 18 at 6pm.
The firm commissioned the manufacture in Sydney of a gigantic 7m by 7m castle especially for the big kids but Judy says it will keep its motto, "An active child is a healthy and happy child".
Thanks for joining me to meet the people in the marvellous community of classified advertising. This story has appeared in The Redland Times, Redland City, Queensland, Australia