Community Event at East Riding Leisure Beverley in memory of Ivan Usher proved a huge success

The What’s On community event at East Riding Leisure Beverley last Sunday (26 June), 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!"