Olympic Spirit Burns in the Forest

Published by Anonymous for Two Rivers Housing in Housing and also in Communities

Teams from across the Forest of Dean converged on special games venues last week and this week to compete for medals in the massively popular Two Rivers Supported Housing Games.

Events have included virtual computer bowling, arts and crafts and poetry, darts, cake making and quizzes.

Open to all of the 900 residents living in supported housing provided by community homes organisation Two Rivers, the events were enormously popular and often oversubscribed.

There were over 160 competitors in all, from Sedbury, Cinderford, Newent , Coleford, Yorkely, Lydney, Dymock and Littledeant.

The Olympic spirit burned so brightly that it attracted Faye Hatcher from BBC Radio Gloucestershire to cover the event.

Two Rivers community volunteer and Vice-Chair Jean Birkett, who judged some of the competitions, said the events had been great fun for all.

“The spirit and energy shown by our more mature residents has demonstrated that no generation has a monopoly on creativity and enthusiasm, and certainly not on a sense of humour,” she said.

Teams, with weird and wonderful names, fought fearlessly for the prize and fame, from the Cheeky Girls and George’s Angles, through to Two Rivers Bright Sparks.

Josie Turley of Grannie Clampit and the Klondyke Hillbillies (from Klondyke Avenue in Lydney) won medals in the quiz at the Springs in Lydney on July 11th.

“We are top of the league. What a result. This is the quality you get in Klondike Gardens,” she said celebrating their victory.

Josie Turley and team – the Cheeky Girls - from the Ridgeway in Yorkley won the virtual bowling on July 4.

“These events are brilliant for stimulating the brain. We are having a whale of a time,” she said.

Jean said the events were symbolic of the Two Rivers not-for-profit spirit.

“The organisation is all about community. Good quality and affordable homes are just the starting point for health and well being. These events are all about bringing people together from across the area. It’s about knitting our community together – quite literally ion the arts and crafts section! ” she said.