Chris Humphris to provide an update on the transition of Sportsable activities and sports to other clubs and Helen Preedy to provide an update on Norden Farm.

Lisa Hughes welcomed Chris Humphris to the meeting. Chris Humphris was the Director of SportsAble before SportsAble closed. Chris Humphris was very concerned when Sports Able closed to what disabled people would do for sport facilities. Chris Humphris reported that both he and John Jenkins took it upon themselves to contact Leisure Focus to put on activities for disabled people. After discussions, swimming now takes place for disabled people at Braywick Leisure Centre on Saturday afternoons. There are two sessions that can accommodate a total of more than  twenty people with disabilities and assistance from volunteers . Other activities were taking place too such as wheelchair basketball on Sundays, Arts and therapy and Boccia. Discussions were in progress for indoor archery. Shooting had moved to Marlow Shooting Club. Wheelchair dance was being considered. Progress had been made and was continuing.

Lisa Hughes asked about table tennis and kayaking and if these would be available to disabled people. Chris Humphris commented that table tennis had been spread across four clubs locally that had happily accepted disabled people. With respect to kayaking, this had not yet been discussed with anyone. Chris Humphris reported that he had joined the Bisham Sailing Club that had a charity attached to it. There were three things to mention about this, there was a wheelyboat which was suitable for disabled people. There was also a sailing club on Wednesdays for disabled people where a hoist was available. There were also sessions for SEN children from schools in term time. Chris Humphris commented that he also ran a social club and quizzes online.

Dominic Manley asked what had happened to the SportsAble minibus and Chris Humphris informed the Forum that it had been disposed of as it required a lot of work.

Doinic Manley asked how Chris Humphris and John Jenkins were contactable and was advised that Leisure Focus had promised that they would include details on their website soon. There was also a Facebook page called AfterSportsAble where many groups were posting on. The SportsAble website would also soon change to AfterSportsAble.

Lisa Hughes had spoken with Councillor Rayner and asked for support for disabled sport facilities.

ACTION: Helen Preedy to follow up on this for the next meeting.

ACTION: Keep item on agenda

Peter Haley asked if this was a positive step forward for disabled sport? Chris Humphris found that there were other ways to do the same things, however the concern was that there was no single point of contact for new disabled people that could signpost them to different sports. The need for introductory sessions to new disabled participants at leisure centres and a need to consider how this was promoted.

Peter Haley asked if ShopMobility could assist in some way. Chris Humphris and Peter Haley would discuss offline.

Councillor Stimson commented that the council were very happy to support the groups and move forward. Councillor Bhangra agreed.

Chris Humphris informed the Forum that they were looking to put a post in place for a single point of contact. Chris Humphris would keep the Forum updated.

Lisa Hughes thanked Chris Humphris for attending and giving an update to the Forum.

Unfortunately, Steph James was unable to join the meeting, so Helen Preedy read out an update on Norden Farm. It read:

RBWM has supported Norden Farm with annual grants however due to budgetary constraints it was agreed that in 2021/22 Norden Farm would receive a reduced grant of £64k with grant funding from the council ceasing in the 2022/23 financial year. In 2019/20 Norden Farm received £158k and in 2020/21 £141k.

An additional pot of £50k was set aside to assist both the arts centres in Maidenhead and Windsor to seek additional funds or appoint consultants to advice on raising additional income. It was agreed that a minimum of £16k of the £50k would go to Norden Farm resulting in a total of £80k in grant funding in 2021/22.

RBWM officers have been holding meetings with Norden Farm to discuss their business plan and future operating model since it was confirmed that funding would be reduced and then cut in 2022/23 and will be working with them to hopefully secure the future of the arts centre in Maidenhead. The council recognises the valuable work of Norden Farm.

Dominic Manley commented that this was shocking as it cost a lot to run Norden Farm.

The Clerk commented that Norden farm reported at the Communities Overview and Scrutiny Panel on a regular basis. The Clerk would inform Forum Members when Norden farm were next presenting.

Councillor Bhangra informed the Forum that there was work in progress that would also be reported at the Communities O and S Panel.