Active Together (rural)

Scheme is a runaway success

From January 2010 for the first time ever, rural areas in Ashford have their own dedicated sports officer.

Active Together is a programme put on by Ashford Borough Council designed to get the over 50’s active in rural areas after discovering there was a lack of activities for this group.

Christian Burwash has been brought in by Ashford Borough Council to launch a programme of activities ranging from cycling to dance for the borough’s rural communities, as part of the Active Together initiative.

Started in Bethersden in April the programme surveyed the people to find out which activities they would like and then put on the most popular choices. These included country walking, Pilates, archery and indoor games.

Co-ordinator Christian Burwash said “We were really shocked by the response, most people thought we might only be able to reach a dozen or so people and have we have had over 100 in the sessions.

One participant, Mrs Boarman said “I am really enjoying my Thursday in Bethersden - the walks and other activities are really great.”

In Bethersden 336 visits took part in walking, 268 in indoor sports, 166 for achery and 160 took part in Pilates, this means over 900 visits were made by over a hundred people.

The groups continue in the area although the project has moved on to other villages around Ashford. Currently these groups are open for people over 50 to attend.

Rural activities

**Rural Activities**
What	Where	When	Duration	Cost	Other information
Walking	Bethersden Village Hall, Bethersden	Thursday 10.30 am	90 minutes	Free	Wear warm clothing and sensible shoes.
Walking	The Green, by Wye Church	Thursday 10.30 am	90 minutes	Free	Wear warm clothing and sensible shoes. Walk may include hill walking.
Walking	Hamstreet Recreational Ground, Hamstreet	Thursday 1.30 pm	90 minutes	Free	Wear warm clothing and sensible shoes. The walk may include woodland walking.
Archery	Bethersden Recreation Ground, Bethersden	Thursday 6pm	1 hour	50p	A qualified coach is on hand and all equipment is provided.
Pilates	Bethersden Village Hall, Bethersden	Tuesday 2pm	1 hour	£3.50	Places are limited. Please contact Michelle Sinclair on 01233 820109 or 07931 904696 before attending.

If you would like further information contact Christian Burwash on 07500 817947 or email .

Ashford Borough Council, Civic Centre, Tannery Lane, Ashford TN23 1PL
Telephone: 01233 330232 Email: activeashford@ashford.gov.uk