Community project in Shipley praised as members regroup post-lockdown

Dr Tim Fooks was impressed with the work of The Horsham & Shipley Community Project (HSCP) when he was welcomed on Tuesday, April 13, ahead of completing his term as High Sheriff of West Sussex.

He observed many of the activities available including gardening projects, outdoor furniture making and the Shipley Men’s Shed.

Dr Tim Fooks said: “It was a great pleasure to be able to visit the HSCP recently.

“After such a prolonged lockdown period, the members’ delight in being able to meet again was almost palpable, as was the camaraderie both on the sports fields and around the workshop.

“I felt immediately welcome and included by the whole group, and I can readily understand why everyone I met spoke so highly about its importance and the benefit it brings to the overall quality of their lives – people simply feel better for being there.

“As with all the Men’s Sheds I have visited, therefore, HSCP is a place where you can make new friends, learn new skills and be supported to stay well in both mind and body and I would like to thank and congratulate them wholeheartedly for developing such a fabulous asset for the local community.”

HSPC was formally incorporated as a charity in June 2018 and is largely lead by the interests of its members, for whom there are no rules about age or ability.

As well as the Men’s Shed, the organisation runs walking football for both men and women, pétanque (like French boules), a gardening project, health walks, and a new cycling club is currently in planning where members can join guided routes with their electric or leg-powered bikes.

Helen Gibbs, one of five trustees at HSCP, said: “Although members typically have one primary activity they like to take part in, some choose to get involved in a number of the others.

“There is also plenty of opportunity for the groups to talk to each other – during the social times at the end of the sessions around the refreshment gazebo, and also at the social barbecues which happen one evening a month during the warmest summer months.

“It is an extremely friendly place to be and where people can do as much or as little as they like. They simply share a desire to take part in some outdoor activities in the company of others, in an inclusive, supportive and good-humoured way.”

The activities mainly take place at the Shipley Football ground where HSCP have a license to operate under TD Shipley FC, which is the main tenant of the facility and who use the main football pitch for their matches at the weekends.

Helen says most activities happen on a Tuesday when there is a ‘real buzz’ at the site with so much going on.

Although the The Men’s Shed is not yet fully open post-lockdown, as work is going on to expand the outdoor workbench areas to accommodate more members outside and under cover, some members are already coming along for a cuppa and chat, currently in groups of up to six.

Helen said: “The Men’s Shed may open on other days when restrictions ease, and the pétanque players are planning Friday evening sessions as well.

“The pétanque club is really well established. There are four pétanque pistes (pitches) available, but because of social distancing only three are being used at present, with games having a maximum of six (normally maximum eight). Members can join a morning or afternoon session with refreshment and time to chat after.

“The Green Project – or the Green Team as they are known – meet on Monday to get the site ready for the activities the next day. They cut the grass, mark the pitches, look after the flower beds, help with pitch drainage solutions and the general maintenance of the ground.

“The health walks around the local area are due to restart mid-May on most (but not all) Wednesday afternoons. Ranging from three to six miles, anyone can join.

“For the longer walkers there is also a plan to tackle the South Downs Way, in bite-sized chunks of around ten miles, but this has been postponed to spring 2022 when hopefully transport can be shared.

“Walking football now has two options – pure walking football, or a slightly more energetic version known as ‘darting football’ for those who want to play at a slightly faster pace.

“Members – men and women - can choose which they prefer each week, and they happen alongside each other with plenty of interaction before, during and after the session. The session leaders are diligent about warming up and stretching after to minimise injury.

“Anyone is welcome to go along to visit to see if they would like to join in. Annual membership cost is very low and merely covers costs.”

If you are interested in finding out more about HSCP or it’s activities, visit www.HorshamShipleyCommunityProject.org or email [email protected]