After more than 50 years supporting young people in and around Horfield, thanks and appreciations have been bestowed on Geoff Stock as he now hands the reins on to others.
In January 1975, Geoff founded Horfield Young People’s Club, fondly known as ‘Geoff’s Club’, and based at Horfield Parish Church. Established for youngsters aged from 6-11, the club continues to provide sport, games, craft and community activities every week in term time, with seven volunteers supporting around 30 children in total.
In recognition of his commitment and dedication to so many young lives, Geoff received a special letter of thanks from Avon and Somerset Police Force’s Chief Constable, Sarah Crew, presented by the PCSO for Horfield, Tristan Fussell.
With a career teaching a range of subjects in schools in and around Bristol, Geoff still found the time and motivation to run the club, inspiring teams of volunteers to ensure a safe, warm and friendly environment for countless youngsters over the years. He was awarded the MBE in 2017 for services to youth and the community.
Speaking of his half-century leading the club, Geoff said:”If I don’t move on now, I never will, but any time would bring sadness; it has been a privilege to work with youngsters.”
The club celebrated its golden anniversary with a party last month. Geoff said:”I have every confidence the club will continue with the ongoing leadership. They have commitment, trust and faith and the children will be greatly helped by this. But I have also had so much blessing and benefit from the children themselves. I feel overwhelmingly blessed, too, by people who have prayed for the club, both through good and tough times – you can almost feel it”.
On its Facebook page, Bristol Neighbourhood Policing remarked: “Over the decades, the club has become a cornerstone of the community, with second and third generations of families benefiting from Geoff’s unwavering commitment, leadership and positive impact on countless lives.”
The club – and its similarly-volunteer-run Messy Church – are always happy to welcome new members. If interested, please look at horfieldparishchurch.org.uk for further details.
At the grand age of 80, Geoff plans to pursue his passion for writing children’s books – his first publishing success, ‘Jimmy Evans and the New School’ was highlighted in the November 2024 issue of the Voice. Two more books are in the pipeline – one, a sequel to Jimmy Evans; the other inspired by a neighbour’s child on a trampoline. The boy in Geoff’s new book jumps so high that he doesn’t return. Where does he go…….? It has a message for adults and children alike, brought once more by Geoff’s wealth of experience with the young people of Horfield and beyond.