Volunteers leading the way: Improving conditions to be active

Active Calderdale
9 hours ago
3 min read

Built in 1881, Foundry Street Community Centre began life as a Wesleyan Mission Chapel. After closing in 1973, local councillor Leslie Godfrey persuaded the District Council to transform the building into a community centre. When it reopened in October 1979, it quickly became a thriving hub for local groups, hosting activities such as dance, drama, yoga, badminton, a youth club and the Shotokan Karate Club.

Over time, changes in management and reduced funding took their toll; by the time the Covid-19 pandemic hit, the centre was struggling to survive. Determined not to lose this valuable community space, a member of the karate club rallied local support. With patience, persistence and a petition signed by more than 1,300 people, the building was secured as a Community Asset Transfer in 2023.

Since reopening in November 2023, Foundry Street Community Centre has gone from strength to strength as a volunteer-run hub for the local community. What began with just four groups has grown to 24 regular weekly activities supporting people’s physical, mental and social wellbeing.

Shotokan Karate Club and Sowerby Bridge Boxing Club were among the first groups to return, quickly making use of the spacious main hall. Today, the centre hosts a wide range of activities including yoga, Tai Chi, line dancing, table tennis and Keep Active fitness sessions. There are also French and Spanish classes, a monthly children’s clothes swap, baking sessions, a family history group, Girl Guides and the popular Monday morning Chat Lounge.

Active Calderdale has supported the centre to grow its physical activity offer, helping local providers co-design sustainable investment proposals. Cindy’s Silver Stompers line dancing now runs both a Wednesday morning class and a seated line dancing session on Mondays. Table tennis has expanded to twice-weekly sessions with new equipment, and Shotokan Karate has delivered a year of beginners’ classes aimed at priority groups, including older adults and people with long-term health conditions - all through Active investment & support. Active Calderdale has also helped to connect residents through services such as Social Prescribing, ensuring people who could benefit most are aware of the centre’s activities.

The building itself continues to reflect its community roots. The small hall is named after Leslie Godfrey in recognition of his efforts to save the centre for the community, while the lounge honours long-serving caretaker Eric Taylor. Alongside the main sports hall upstairs, the centre also includes a basement meeting room, a newly renovated kitchen and office space.

Looking ahead, Foundry Street Community Centre continues to grow as a volunteer-led, not-for-profit organisation focused on meeting local needs. The trustees recently secured a £10,000 Locality grant (Nov 2024–March 2025) to provide free room hire and support for groups tackling loneliness, mental ill-health and addiction.

Monthly Saturday volunteer sessions now invite local people to help improve the centre and get involved in shaping its future. Meanwhile, Treasurer Andrew Broadbent has secured funding for a new stair lift, which will make the upstairs hall accessible to people with limited mobility and open up even more opportunities for inclusive activity.

At the centre’s recent Annual General Meeting, with founding members and new trustees gathered together, it was clear just how valued this community space has become. The success of Foundry Street Community Centre shows what a small but dedicated group of volunteers can achieve when they come together to keep a vital community facility alive.