‘Invaluable community resource’ will benefit from council grants
Groups in Sowerby Bridge’s Foundry Street Community Centre have been awarded grants to encourage physical activity in the community.
Lucinda Atkinson, from Cindy’s Stompers, described the award as “truly great”.
She said: “With this grant we will be able to bring our line dancing classes to the widest range of local people possible, at a genuinely affordable cost.”
Frank Page, who runs the Table Tennis Club on Sunday evenings, was also delighted to receive a grant for £1,000 from Calderdale Council’s Place Partners programme Active Calderdale.
“This will allow us to buy the new tables and equipment we need to make our club accessible to all ages, abilities and backgrounds,” he said.
Sheila Eastwood, a trustee who helps run the Foundry Street Centre along with a group of volunteers, said:
“Our centre is an invaluable community resource and these grants will help to get groups quickly established and become an integral part of the movement towards a healthier, happier Sowerby Bridge community.”
Chi Chi Dance’s representative, Karen Graham, of Lead the Way (part of Cloverleaf Advocacy), said: “We’re thrilled to have received this funding which will help us deliver our sessions to people with learning disabilities.
"Chi Chi combines easyto-master dance routines and songs from well-known musicals and is a great way to get and stay fit while having fun.
"You don’t need any previous experience to take part and can attend any or all of our sessions. Carers are welcome too.”
More grants like these are still available according to Active Calderdale’s Emma Carter, who said: “There are further funds available to help support and encourage people to be more active.
"We are working in priority areas across Calderdale to improve and increase opportunities for physical activity at community venues such as Foundry Street and public places such as parks - to find out more, contact ActiveCalderdale@calderdale.gov.uk.”
Among other exciting things planned for the community centre, local residents can take part in clubs for boxing, yoga, karate, over 50s table tennis, line dancing, drama, baby exercise, pre and post-natal exercise, toddler football, academy football and even baking.