
A previous APPLE event at The Art Block. Picture: APPLE
March 12, 2026
A community yard sale and tea party will take place in Acton Park on Saturday 14 March, bringing together families, friends and long-standing supporters of the APPLE charity for an afternoon of games, art and fundraising in memory of its co-founder, Deborah Catesby. The event, running from 1pm to 4pm at The Art Block, will feature activities including cupcake decorating, creative workshops and a yard sale, with all proceeds supporting the charity’s work with young people.
APPLE – the Acton Play Projects and Leisure Events charity – has been a fixture of Acton Park for more than three decades. Founded in 1996, it was created to give local children and teenagers a safe, welcoming and imaginative space to play, learn and express themselves. The charity is best known for its free after-school and holiday programmes, which combine art, outdoor play, cooking, gardening and hands-on making. Over the years, APPLE has become a lifeline for many families, offering young people a place to build confidence, friendships and practical skills in an environment that is creative, inclusive and rooted in the local community.
Much of that ethos can be traced back to the vision of Deborah Catesby, who co-founded APPLE and served as a trustee until her death. Deborah was widely admired for her belief that all children deserve access to creativity and open-ended play, regardless of background or circumstance. She helped shape APPLE into a space where young people could experiment, take risks, and discover their own abilities, often through art projects made from recycled materials or collaborative outdoor activities.
The Art Block, APPLE’s colourful base in Acton Park, will host a mix of creative stations and games, with refreshments served throughout the afternoon.
Organisers say they hope the event will attract long-standing supporters as well as families who may be discovering the charity for the first time. With APPLE continuing to run free and low-cost programmes at a time when many families face rising pressures, the fundraiser will help sustain the charity’s work into the year ahead.
The Yard Sale & Tea Party takes place on Saturday 14 March from 1pm to 4pm at The Art Block in Acton Park. Everyone is welcome to attend.
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