Cllr Denis Healy is supporting the family of the late Ivan Usher in their quest to realise his dream of building a memorial stand at Beverley Town Football Club.
Ivan, who was a well known figure in Beverley, passed away last autumn at the age of 83. He worked for 30 years as a PE teacher, and spent the whole of his professional life at one school; Longcroft, where he taught generations of children to enjoy and appreciate their fitness.
When he retired from Longcroft in 1988, he set up Ushers Fitness centre in Beverley with his wife, Hilary.
The Fitness Centre was a huge success, fuelled by Ivan’s infectious enthusiasm, and with Hilary, he continued to run it until well into his 70s, when he reduced his activities to concentrate on working with older people to improve their fitness.
Now, Hilary, and son Greg, are seeking to create a lasting legacy; the Ivan Usher Memorial Stand, which they are hoping to build at Beverley Town.
Cllr Healy is supporting Hilary and Greg in their application for commuted sums funding from East Riding of Yorkshire Council, as part of their endeavours to raise £17,000 to build the stand.
Cllr Healy said:
“Ivan did so much for people of all ages in Beverley in helping them to establish fitness as part of their lives. I well remember him coaxing me through my circuit training when I used to visit his gym classes in the mid 1990s.
“I am hoping that the East Riding Council will see this as a worthy project for commuted sums funding, which is targeted at recreation and leisure projects. I am also here to provide whatever support I can to Hilary and Greg as they go through the planning process for a project which I know that Ivan would be proud of and dearly wanted to see happen.”
Hilary Usher said:
“Many people have already got behind the idea of erecting a stand in memory of Ivan at the Norwood ground. For example, the Beverley 10k on May 13th will feature 40 runners and supporters collecting money for the project.”
“There’s also going to be a tombola, raffle and other activities on the day of the run and a social get together afterwards at Armstrong’s social club. Over £2000 has been raised from Ivan’s memorial service held at the Beverley Minster, donations and line dance events and I am currently organising a sponsored line dance which will be held at the David Lloyd Function Room on May 6th.”
“I’m grateful for all the support I am receiving, and having the support of ward councillors is especially important.”
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