MOST-COMMUNITYMINDED ORGANISATION
An initiative that brings people together
Row the Erne Lough Erne, Co Fermanagh, NI
For the last six or so years, a small community group has been working to bring a wild dream to everyday people. Back in 2014, Olivia Cosgrove led a volunteer group to build a traditional Irish currach from scratch. It took three months and 2,500 volunteer hours. Row the Erne now welcomes local people of all ages and backgrounds, from young adults who come to blow away the cobwebs after a day in the office, to folk in their seventies in search of new adventure.
“We’re ‘cup of tea rowing’ here,” says Olivia. “It’s not competitive and there’s no financial barrier. To join a yachting club you need a certain amount of wealth, but anyone can join in here, including Pat, who’s in his seventies and turns up with his own bag of sugar every week. He takes a wild amount of sugar in his tea,” she explains, “But someone brings a tray bake, someone else, soup. Everyone has a part.”
She describes the currach as “a first rung on the ladder” for people who lack water confidence. It’s large enough that people feel ‘safe’ paddling away with others alongside them. You don’t need any skill; just a glimmer of enthusiasm. rowtheerne.com
Nominated by Louise Bleakley WE ALSO LOVED Kinver Fitness Collective Kinver, Staffordshire
Making fitness part of your life can be tricky, with time, location and money being common barriers. That’s where Kinver Fitness Collective steps in, helping its local community to take part in activities including running, walking and cycling. There are even events such as autumnal and wildlife walks.
The collective was set up by two local mums, Sally Harris and Jane Meyrick, along with Kinver’s Community Officer, PC Wayne Green, aiming to bring people together for fitness activities in a safe environment.
Since its inception, the group has also supported other local running events, raised cash for charities and helped promote and organise everything from Motivational Mondays to menopause awareness events.
Sally and Jane say: “We love fitness adventures and know how good it makes us feel. We try to bring the benefits to others for free, as we don’t think there should be a barrier to healthy living.”
Part of the joy of the collective has been the way it’s attracted others to get involved in spreading the fitness bug. “We’re both community minded and work where we can, while juggling work and family, to identify needs and make things happen.
Lots of people help us, though, which is the real joy of being a collective.”
Kinver Fitness Collective is on Facebook Nominated by Tracey Bayliss