The What’s On community event at East Riding Leisure Beverley in memory of Ivan Usher was a huge success – it is estimated that around 1100 people attended.
Over 250 people took part in the 13 taster activities offered; 24 community groups shared information about what is going on in Beverley, and six local junior sports clubs were involved in playing matches from Under 7’s up to Under 15’s.
The event was a joint initiative between the council’s health and wellbeing team, East Riding Leisure Beverley and the Usher family, and was a tribute to the memory of Ivan Usher, after whom a stand is named at Beverley Town FC.
Ivan taught PE at Longcroft School for approximately 30 years before his family set up and ran a Fitness Centre in Beverley. He was an extremely respected teacher and sportsman and inspired and influenced many people.
Laura Hutchinson, the council’s healthy lifestyles development officer, said:
“What a wonderful day everyone had! The whole place was a hive of activity, and it was amazing to see children and adults taking part in activities and loving every minute!”
Ivan Usher’s son, Gregory, added:
“It was a fantastic day, seeing everyone playing sports, and joining in. It was so important to my dad to teach life skills at a young age and a great way of doing this is through sport and activity. For older people, it is great to see what a range of activities are going on to help combat loneliness.”
Jimmy Traynor, Chairman of AFC Tickton, said:
“It was a great day for grassroots football. There is not a lot of activity in the off-season in the East Riding for grassroots clubs, and it was great to get all the teams down to East Riding Leisure Beverley for a mini tournament and to watch some great football. We hope to be here again next year, bigger and better!”
