Video shows support for activities centre

The Adur Outdoor Activities Centre, which closed its doors late last month, is the subject of a four-minute promotional video to show the wide variety of activities it once provided.

Shoreham-based film-maker Scott Wright decided to shoot the film after he learned on Facebook the trust had stepped down.

He said: “I have three children myself who climb at the centre, so I am a frequent user of the venue and understand its importance.

“I thought it was very sad as I often see how much enjoyment children get out of doing the activities.”

Joining forces with friend, Leia Sands, who launched a Facebook page to garner support, Mr Wright received full access to the site in October and filmed its facilities, along with interviews from volunteers and long-time users.

He said: “We spent a couple of days on site just before the doors were closed for the last time and asked users of the venue to come down and tell their story and voice their opinion on camera.

“It was truly remarkable to hear so many wonderful experiences and just see the wide diverse range of groups and clubs that rely on the centre. There are quite a few communities that have established, and even relationships and marriages that have come out of it.”

During the shoot, Mr Wright realised that many of its users span both West and East Sussex.

He said: “As it turns out, a lot were from further afield – Worthing, Horsham, Littlehampton and even Portsmouth. It really meant a lot to see people go out of their way, getting public transport with young children from quite far and wide.”

Last week, West Sussex County Council leader Louise Goldsmith announced that a number of parties had expressed interest in taking on the facilities.

The county council is working closely with Adur District Council with plans to reopen the centre by spring 2016.

A public consultation is being organised for the new year, with residents being asked about what should be provided at the centre once it is up and running again.

Mr Wright said it was positive news the centre was to have a future.

He said: “It’s great to have hope that the centre may actually reopen as early as next year.

“We are so focused on technology at the moment, it’s great to have ways to keep children outside and active.

“I had fears that it may be knocked down to make way for a cinema or something similar. My children were also really happy when I told them they may be able to go to the centre again one day.”

The video, which is available to watch on Facebook, has been shared more than 80 times and has just under 4,000 views.

Mr Wright hopes that when the centre re-opens, more people will take advantage of its wonderful clubs, including rock climbing, canoeing, cycling and more.

He said: “It’s very rewarding to know that the community had got together again to try and save what they believed in.”

To watch the video, visit Adur Outdoor Activities Centre Support Group on Facebook here

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