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Whingy to speak as social club trials an extension to Banbury
21/02/2023
The Manor Club Connected will extend a monthly event to include people in the north of the county
Football enthusiasts over the age of 50 will be able to hear Banbury United manager and former Oxford United player Andy Whing speak at the local extension of an Oxford based social group next Wednesday (March 1).
The event is part of a new project by Oxford United in the Community which will explore how issues such as loneliness and social isolation can be resolved.
Andy will be speaking at The Manor Club – a monthly social event held in Cowley. A pilot will see that event ‘extended’ so people from the north of the county can also join in at Easington Sports Addison Road ground, utilising the power of technology.
Oxford United In The Community is the football club’s official charity and they have partnered with the University of Oxford’s Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences division and Oxford Brookes University to create ‘The Manor Club Connected’.
Researchers from the University of Oxford will use the pilot project to learn how community groups and organisations can best respond to tackling loneliness and help positively impact the lives of local people via its Science Together programme.
Chris Lowes, Head of Oxford United in the Community, believes adapting real-life events into digital alternatives can help people to feel better connected. He said: “The Manor Club has been an extraordinary success since its launch and engages dozens of people each month who otherwise might have to spend their afternoon alone.
“However, we are aware of the travel and financial barriers which may restrict new members from attending our monthly events in Oxford. As a charity focused on connecting and engaging all members of the community, The Manor Club Connected allows people in north Oxfordshire to participate and interact as if they were present at the real event.
“We hope by connecting virtually to the main event on a big screen that people will come together and watch a live transmission of the Manor Club within easy access of their community.
“This latest provision is entirely free and we’re grateful to the University of Oxford and Oxford Brookes University for their support in helping us connect football enthusiasts across the county.”
New Government data revealed almost one quarter (24%) of adults in Oxfordshire experienced feelings of loneliness in the last year. This was higher than the county average In Oxford (29.4%) and Cherwell (26.7%).
Rachel Ashwanden, Science Engagement Officer at the University of Oxford, added: “Our Science Together programme focuses on creating research projects that truly serve the needs of Oxfordshire community groups.
“Through The Manor Club Connected initiative, our researchers will work closely with the team at Oxford United in the Community to help more people access a thriving community of football enthusiasts aged over 50.
“It’s exciting to see the charity exploring the community building possibilities of science and technology, without losing the fun and heart of the original Manor Club.”
Anyone interested in being part of The Manor Club Connected pilot project can email community@oufc.co.uk or call 01865 337515 to book. Sandwiches, lunch and hot drinks will be provided.
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam