CV Life’s Xcel Leisure Centre was full of smiling faces last weekend as a huge variety of people took part in a very special celebration hosted by our very own David Moorcroft.
To go along with his athletic accolades, not to mention his charity and community work, Dave also currently holds the position of High Sheriff of the County the West Midlands.
Part of this role sees the incumbents host an event, usually a sit down meal, to celebrate their tenure in the position.
While most high sheriffs go for the formal, black tie occasions, Dave really wanted an event which would reflect him, CV Life, and the people of Coventry – all tied in with a Commonwealth Games theme.
So the event became the CommunityWealth Spring Reception, held last Sunday, March 5.
All the usual dignitaries which would attend such events – mayors, councillors, high ranking police officials etc were joined by members of the public, including pupils from Walsgrave Academy, a local primary school which CV Life works with.
As part of our Coventry Moves programme, there were also elderly residents from independent living centres in the city.
This vast variety of attendees spent Sunday afternoon mixing and taking part in fun events and all-ability activities, topped off with an informal afternoon tea consumed off real chinaware.
Speaking after the event, Dave said: “I wanted to put on an event which reflected everything I’d experienced through my life but then mix it together with what CV Life does on a daily basis.
“As the Commonwealth Games had been a big event of the year and I’d played a part in that, we went with ‘The CommunityWealth Games’.
“We deliberately made sure that as well as the dignitaries, there were kids from schools CV Life works with, a lot of older people, and mixed them all together.
“We had a load of fun, loads of activity, some great food and drink but importantly a real feel of community. It was a really lovely atmosphere, we saw so many smiles on so many faces.
“Watching people leave with a spring in their step, speaking with people they’d never met before the event – it was just what I wanted.
“I want to say a big thank you to all CV Life staff who made it possible, everyone was amazing, not just Wendy (Jackson) and Jade (Woodward) and their team who did all the organisation, but everyone there who helped the event flow, getting everyone involved.”
Jade, who CV Life’s Community Programme Coordinator, said: “The event went really well, it was a huge success. To see so many different types of people, from the mayors and other dignitaries to the older people and the children, mixing together and all taking part was amazing
“On a personal level, I loved getting residents out from some of the independent living schemes we work with as part of Coventry Moves – to see them mixing with the kids and seeing the smiles on all their faces was just brilliant.
“It was also good for us as a team to know we can host such a successful event at one of our venues, catering for all different sorts of people.”
A resident from Poppy Court, one of the centres CV Life works with via Coventry Moves, spoke of how much they enjoyed the occasion.
She said: “I had such great fun – it was nice being out with all my friends, but also meeting lots of new and important people.
“I remember David Moorcroft from his running days so it was an honour being invited to attend. But I also thoroughly enjoyed doing the activities with all the children – I had a lovely time.”
Picture credit: Mark Radford Photography