Broomfield Park Active Club may involve getting outdoors and moving more, but just as importantly, it's about sociability, whether on a walk or at a get-together in a pub.
Broomfield Park Active Club members gather for a morning run in January 2024. Since those early days the club's activities have broadened out considerably, with the emphasis now on sociability
It's just over a year since newcomer to PG Anja Porter set up Broomfield Park Running Club, which this spring she broadened out to become Broomfield Park Active Club. BPAC is now well established, and Anja has decided to put things on a somewhat more formal basis by moving membership onto Patreon and introducing some safeguarding measures.
In this article Anja outlines BPAC's evolution from a focus on fitness towards all-round sociability, both outdoors (regular walks and runs) and indoors (the club's pub evenings alternate between the Fox and the Cherry Tree).
Broomfield Park Active Club: The story so far
Since January 2024, when things really took off with BPAC, we have had a busy year. Whilst the weekly park walks have fluctuated in attendance based on everyone's availability, they have remained a staple in the Club's calendar. The cafe catch-up afterwards is loved by many as well.
The Fox is one of two venues for regular social events held by Broomfield Park Active Club
From its origins as a run club, BPAC has developed into a primarily social club with a focus on getting people outdoors and being/staying active, walking has been our main focus because most people feel it is something they can participate in. I really want to establish more regular runs as well but I'll have to see if (m)any runners join...runs would be at a very easy pace but we could also go exploring further afield in the summer if people are keen.
"Meeting amazing people"
"I joined BPAC in March 2024 with the aim of being more active and meeting new people and I have achieved both these aims.
"Since learning to walk again almost 10 years ago after having brain surgery, I've wanted to increase my stamina, and this group has helped me with that. Since I joined, I have walked further than I have in the last 10 years (6.5km in one single walk and 16.6km in a single day) and I have set a goal of a 10km walk in 2025, which I expect to achieve with BPAC.
"I have also met some amazing people along the way, who have inspired me to achieve what I have accomplished ,and I very much look forward to our weekly walks, and especially the coffee afterwards."
BPAC member from Bounds Green
Throughout this past summer, I tried to establish a monthly guided walk a bit further afield (eg green spaces around London such as Hackney Marshes) but this proved trickier to organise with people being away for holidays. I will be doing this again next summer though, as participants really enjoyed them, so we'll just try to tweak how and when these happen.
Most recently, I started a Couch to 5k Accountability group as well, meeting every Monday at 6pm. We are taking a winter break from this at the moment but it will return mid-January.
"A great way to get fitter and make new friends"
”I joined the club when it began in autumn 2023 and I very much enjoy the walks and social gatherings. The group is made up of a wide variety of friendly people with differing levels of fitness, from walkers to experienced runners. Some have expressed interest in other activities - there has been some roller-skating. Anja has done a wonderful job of keeping everyone in the loop and organising events…
"Membership of this group is a great way to get fitter and make new friends.”
BPAC Member from Palmers Green
New Patreon members will have access to our new Event Calendar as well once they've signed up to the group.
I will be looking to develop BPAC further based on member's feedback to make sure it works well for as many people as possible.
A walk in the park (Broomfield, of course)
Places we've explored so far
The focus has been very much the local area, so:
- Broomfield Park
- Arnos Park
- Pymmes Brook area
- Grovelands Park
- Hackney and its waterways leading us to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and Stadium
"Full of people who are a joy to be with"
“I joined BPAC late in 2023 after reading about it online. I walk a lot anyway but was looking to meet like minded people. I started walking in the summer with the guys and girls and I'm now a firm regular.
"The group is full of lovely, friendly and interesting people who are a joy to be with. There is also the social side so it's not all about exercise, there’s food and a few beers regularly in the mix.
"Can't wait for the next year with exciting plans for future events.”
BPAC Member from Southgate
I definitely want to go further afield next year for our guided summer walks, and one of the members has said he'd like to give us some history guided walks as well.
The other venue that BPAC uses for social events is the Cherry Tree at Southgate Green
So who are our members?
Ages range from mid-30s to mid-60s, and men and women are quite balanced in numbers (maybe slightly more women come along, but everyone is welcome).
There are currently 20 regular participants and another 10 or 20 who dip in and out.
I'm hoping to increase these numbers with more regular activities and by attracting more committed participants via charging.
Broomfield Park Active Club
A social club for runners, walkers and otherwise movers in and around Broomfield Park.
We organise regular walking meet-ups and provide a space for people to find buddies for all sorts of sports activities in the area.
All abilities welcome 💕 we look forward to meeting you!
- Weekly walk with optional cafe catch-up (Sat or Sun, as per group availability)
- Summer guided walk (monthly, Mar-Sep)
- Bi-monthly socials (Feb, Apr, Jun, Aug, Oct, Dec)
- Couch to 5K accountability group
- Find a buddy for any sports activity in the area!
- Ad-hoc sports socials e.g. roller disco, ice-skating, bouldering
To join, scan the QR code or visit patreon.com/BroomfieldParkActiveClub