By Jesse Graham
It began as a unique way of marketing in the lead-up to the 2016 Federal Election, but Peter Charleton’s free jumping castle quickly turned into a community service.
Mr Charleton said he started loaning out his jumping castle in January, 2016, as a way of meeting people and starting conversations in the lead up to the July election, where he was standing as an independent for Casey.
His first castle booking was held in Seville on 31 January, and the premise was simple – Mr Charleton would set up and pack up the castle, chat to party organisers before the event, and be on his way.
Though the election passed without a win for Mr Charleton, he said that seeing the “joy and happiness” the service had brought made him decide to keep the service going.
“I don’t means test anyone,” he wrote in an email to the Mail.
“If someone wants to book the castle and it is available, I will do it.”
With only five cancellations due to bad weather, and weathering a car accident and equipment breakdowns, Mr Charleton marked his 100th castle loan on Saturday 18 February, at a seventh birthday party in Toolangi.
Seven-year-old Lucas and his friends shared the castle and posed for a photo with Mail photographer Greg Carrick.
Later in the day, Mr Charleton set up the castle for his children at his Dixons Creek home, their first use of the castle since the free service began over a year ago.
Though he has not charged any of the castle recipients, Mr Charleton said he had received thank you cards, a donation or two from families, as well as the odd box of chocolate or gift.
A Facebook page, set up for the castle, has amassed a following and, as of Monday 20 February, had 8893 likes.
Though the 42 year old said he would be keeping the service going as much as possible, he said he may look at sponsorship in the future.
For more information about the service, visit www.facebook.com/freejumpingcastles or call 0477 419 270.
