New ‘friends’ group launched at recreation ground in Horsham

A new ‘friends’ group was launched in Horsham at the weekend at Victory Road Recreation Ground in the Trafalgar neighbourhood.
Volunteers at The Friends of the Rec (FREC) group launch SUS-200915-130605001Volunteers at The Friends of the Rec (FREC) group launch SUS-200915-130605001
Volunteers at The Friends of the Rec (FREC) group launch SUS-200915-130605001

The Friends of the Rec (FREC) group was revived after an absence of several years by Horsham residents Ann Turner and Morag Warrack.

Ann said: “I was a volunteer for 15 years at Worcester Park in Surrey, and after moving to Horsham two years ago, I’m delighted to have this new friendly group.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“The Rec is very well used but with budgets being so tight, it’s been in need of some TLC for a good while.”

Ann Turner, Martin Boffey and Morag Warrack at The Friends of the Rec (FREC) group launch SUS-200915-130555001Ann Turner, Martin Boffey and Morag Warrack at The Friends of the Rec (FREC) group launch SUS-200915-130555001
Ann Turner, Martin Boffey and Morag Warrack at The Friends of the Rec (FREC) group launch SUS-200915-130555001

Volunteer Morag added: “It’s difficult to balance all the needs-the area is mainly cricket and football fields, but it’s well used by elderly Challencourt residents, rugby tots, dog walkers, families and joggers and it has rich wildlife areas too which we’d like to preserve and enhance.”

Volunteers who came together to ‘dig for Victory’ on the first day of the group’s revival included two Police Community Support Officers and several members of Trafalgar Neighbourhood Council, with three-year-old Sam being the youngest volunteer.

Martin Boffey, chair of the TNC said: “This sort of project benefits and unites the whole community, allowing all ages to come together and boost their health in a safe, friendly open environment.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The next sessions will be on Friday, September 18, 10am-12 noon and 2pm-4pm, and Saturday, September 26, 10am-12 noon.

Volunteers at The Friends of the Rec (FREC) group launch SUS-200915-130615001Volunteers at The Friends of the Rec (FREC) group launch SUS-200915-130615001
Volunteers at The Friends of the Rec (FREC) group launch SUS-200915-130615001

Morag, who is a teacher for the Action for Happiness charity, said: “Proven benefits of volunteering on a project like this which are key to our happiness include connecting with other people boosts oxytocin which calms us xercising is superb for depression as it releases endorphins; being in sunlight boosts serotonin which helps make us happier; working in green spaces boosts our immune system as we come into contact with healthy bacteria – it’s a natural pro-biotic and getting away from our technology gives our brains a rest and a much-needed reboot!”

____

A message from the Editor, Gary Shipton:

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news, I am asking you to please purchase a copy of our newspapers.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspapers.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

Stay safe, and best wishes.

Related topics: