Express & Star

Goodyear staff lend support to Fordhouses fitness group

Fitness fanatics will be stepping to a new beat thanks to a generous offering from former Goodyear workers.

Published
Former Goodyear workers hand of a Stair Master for the Fordhouses Health and Fitness Group as part of the benevolent fund

Members of Fordhouses Health and Fitness Group were in high spirits after receiving their flashy new Stairmaster.

The new addition to the group's fitness centre came thanks to the Goodyear workers’ 5/344 Transport and General Workers Union Benevolent Fund.

Secretary of the fitness group Eve Senior said: "It was absolutely amazing, it's marvellous. That particular machine, it's all the rage at the moment.

"This is important because Goodyear was part of the community - it's Fordhouses and Goodyear is just up the road.

"Quite a lot of members who use the facilities here either worked at Goodyear or their husbands worked there.

"So it's good to know that even though Goodyear is no longer a part of the community it lives on because it's still doing good for the community."

The group, based in Winchester Road, currently sees about 150 people use its facilities.

For just £3 a week, members are able to use the gym equipment on Mondays and Thursdays from 6.30pm until 8.30pm.

Mrs Senior, 68, added: "It's a place where everyone can come and not feel self conscious, they can relax.

"Some people don't actually have the money to go to a regular gym. They can come here and sit down and have a drink, and exercise."

The Goodyear workers’ fund was built up over more than 30 years from sick and distress pay.

Good causes across the region could still be in with a chance of winning support from the fund, with the group looking to hear from registered charities helping those in need.

The former workers do not hand out cash donations but instead purchase vital equipment or other items which will benefit groups.