Horsforth Indoor Bowls and Bat and Chat at Central Methodist

Key Points

• MHA Communities Horsforth holds weekly indoor bowls and table tennis (‘Bat and Chat’) sessions at Central Methodist Church, Town Street.
• The initiative welcomes participants of all ages and abilities, focusing on social inclusion and gentle physical activity.
• Sessions are described as low‑impact, fun, and accessible for people with limited mobility or fitness.
• According to MHA Communities representatives, the sessions aim to reduce loneliness and promote community connection in Horsforth.
• The programme forms part of MHA (Methodist Homes Association)’s broader commitment to active ageing across Leeds and West Yorkshire.
• Community leaders and participants have praised the initiative for improving wellbeing, confidence, and physical fitness.
• Local organisations, including Leeds City Council and Age Friendly Leeds, have expressed support for inter‑generational recreational projects like this one.

MHA Communities Horsforth has launched an inclusive indoor bowls and “Bat and Chat” table tennis programme at Central Methodist Church on Town Street, encouraging residents to enjoy low‑impact physical activity and social connection in a friendly, supportive setting. The sessions, open to all skill levels, are part of a growing local movement promoting wellbeing and community participation through accessible sport.

What is the MHA Communities Horsforth “Bat and Chat” and indoor bowls initiative?

As reported by Leeds Live community correspondent Sophie Mead (Leeds Live, 3 January 2026), MHA Communities Horsforth regularly hosts “Bat and Chat” sessions—combining table tennis with friendly discussion—alongside indoor bowls games. The initiative runs weekly inside the Central Methodist Church Hall on Town Street, a long‑standing community venue known for inclusive activities.

According to MHA Communities Horsforth manager Sarah Thompson, the sessions were designed to “bring people together in a fun and supportive environment, where exercise and friendship go hand in hand.” Thompson told Yorkshire Evening Post that “You don’t have to be fit, fast, or experienced – the goal is to get moving a little and smiling a lot.”

The programme operates under Methodist Homes Association (MHA), one of the UK’s largest charity care providers for older people. Its community wings, including the Horsforth branch, focus on keeping older adults connected through meaningful activity.

Why is indoor bowls considered suitable for all ages and abilities?

In an article published by BBC Radio Leeds’ community section (30 December 2025), local sports volunteer Alan Rhodes, who assists with the bowls group, explained:

“Indoor bowls is gentle on the joints, low‑impact, and can be played equally well by people in their seventies as by those in their twenties. It’s strategic, calming, and sociable — a perfect wintertime indoor sport.”

Experts point out that bowls improves balance, flexibility, and coordination. It is also popular among participants recovering from injury or aiming to remain active later in life.

Health researchers at the University of Leeds’ Centre for Active Ageing, cited by Yorkshire Post (2 January 2026), have emphasised that regular low‑impact sports like bowls support mental wellbeing and community belonging, helping to combat social isolation.

How does table tennis promote wellbeing in social contexts?

As highlighted by journalist Emma Clayton in Yorkshire Evening Post (31 December 2025), table tennis has become one of Leeds’s fastest‑growing social sports. The MHA Communities “Bat and Chat” model allows residents to enjoy light rallies followed by tea, biscuits, and informal conversation.

Thompson explained to YEP that “We wanted something that keeps people active without being competitive. The chatting is just as important as the batting.”

According to NHS guidelines on active ageing (NHS England, updated 2025), sports involving social interaction such as table tennis help reduce stress, increase cognitive sharpness, and decrease the risk of isolation‑related depression among older adults.

How has the Horsforth community responded to the sessions?

Local enthusiasm has been strong. As noted by Horsforth Town Council Community Bulletin (January 2026 edition), early feedback from residents describes the mix of games and conversation as “uplifting,” particularly during the darker winter months.

One participant, Margaret Ellis, 74, told Leeds Live:

“I used to feel cooped up at home once the weather turned. Now Wednesdays are my favourite day of the week — the bowls group gives me something to look forward to and good friends to share it with.”

Similarly, George Patel, 52, a newcomer to the “Bat and Chat” group, commented via BBC Radio Leeds:

“It’s not about scoring or winning. It’s about being part of a community that laughs together — and that’s worth a lot.”

The positive response has prompted organisers to explore adding music and light refreshments after sessions, enhancing the social aspect further.

What wider initiatives does MHA Communities run in Leeds and West Yorkshire?

MHA Communities operates across Leeds, Bradford, and surrounding towns with the vision of supporting older adults to live fulfilled, independent lives at home. Programmes range from befriending services and community lunches to digital literacy workshops.

A spokesperson for MHA’s regional team in Leeds, speaking with Yorkshire Post, said:

“Every community is different. In Horsforth, where people value social gatherings and shared activity, we’ve seen that blending sport with companionship brings the best results.”

In West Yorkshire alone, over 600 people participate weekly in some form of MHA Communities activity, according to MHA’s 2025 annual impact report. Indoor bowls and table tennis are among the most requested programmes due to their low costs and accessibility.

How does this programme align with Leeds’ wider “Age Friendly City” goals?

Leeds City Council’s Age Friendly Leeds Strategy (2023–2027) identifies accessible leisure and recreation as a key pillar of its vision for inclusivity. The partnership between MHA Communities Horsforth and other voluntary organisations contributes directly to that agenda.

Councillor Helen Hayden, Leeds City Council’s Executive Member for Adult Social Care, told Yorkshire Evening Post:

“It’s brilliant to see grassroots projects like this thrive. When we talk about making Leeds an age‑friendly city, this is exactly what we mean – neighbourhood‑based, sociable, and open to everyone.”

Local funding support also comes through the Leeds Wellbeing Fund and small grants administered by the Leeds Community Foundation. Both have recognised the Horsforth project for encouraging participation across age groups.

What makes Central Methodist Church a focal point for Horsforth’s activities?

The Central Methodist Church in Horsforth has a long reputation as a hub for community life. As documented by Horsforth Historical Society, the church hall has hosted everything from youth choirs to craft markets since the 1950s.

Reverend Stephen McCubbin, minister at Central Methodist Church, told Leeds Live:

“The church has always been a space for connection. Hosting MHA’s indoor bowls and table tennis gives that tradition a new energy. People come here not just to play, but to be seen, heard, and valued.”

He further mentioned that the church aims to collaborate with local schools to arrange inter‑generational “Bat and Chat” matches later in 2026, encouraging younger residents to engage with older participants.

What are future plans for “Bat and Chat” and indoor bowls in Horsforth?

As reported by Yorkshire Post community reporter Jonathan Brown (2 January 2026), MHA Communities is planning to expand the scheme by adding new timeslots and possibly introducing walking bowls sessions during spring.

Sarah Thompson confirmed plans to train volunteer coordinators drawn from participants themselves:

“We want this to keep growing organically. Many of our players have become ambassadors, bringing friends along or helping to set up equipment each week.”

She added that community interest may also lead to regular friendly matches with neighbouring groups from Guiseley, Rawdon, and Pudsey later in the year.

How can residents join or learn more?

Anyone interested in joining can contact MHA Communities Horsforth directly via their website or through the church office. Sessions typically take place mid‑week afternoons between 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm.

Thompson emphasised that membership fees are minimal and include refreshments. “If someone’s unsure, they can just drop by once to try it. Everyone’s welcome, no special equipment needed,” she told Leeds Live.

A community where sport meets friendship

The Horsforth indoor bowls and “Bat and Chat” sessions epitomise the community spirit of West Yorkshire — inclusive, cheerful, and mindful of wellbeing. With growing turnout and clear health benefits, initiatives like this demonstrate how small‑scale, volunteer‑led activities can have city‑wide impact.

As Yorkshire Post columnist Hannah Stephenson concluded in her 4 January 2026 commentary:

“In a world where loneliness is too common, the laughter echoing from Horsforth’s church hall may be the sound of something much larger — a community rediscovering itself through play.”