Known to his neighbourhood as ‘Mr Handsworth’, Hector Pinkney MBE worked as a security officer at Handsworth Library, but his countless duties and network of contacts made him the go-to man for people across the area and beyond.
And now, not so long after he stopped working there, Hector is back at his beloved library – only this time he’s inviting senior-led members of the local community to make a visit there, for just an hour every Tuesday, for a gentle fun and free over 50’s exercise and keep-fit session, and above all, get out of their homes and meet people in similar situations.
And the attendees, most of whom are predominantly pensioners from the local Asian community love every minute of Pinkney’s exercise class, with its numbers regularly increasing week-by-week.
A low impact, chair-based exercise session for all abilities; “This is about putting a smile on people’s faces – on Handsworth’s face,” Pinkney says. “It’s so good to smile”. And here, the usually insular women and men take the chance to open up, talk and have a smile on their faces.
As they open up, the willingness is there… clear as day, as they all go through simple, basic stretching exercises that they are encouraged to do whilst they are at home. “Even when you go out shopping you’re exercising”, Mr. Handsworth tells his class. “When you’re stretching out to pick up items you’re exercising, so don’t forget that.
A Jamaican national, he has already organised running events which includes a weekly run club, as well as establishing a karate club for all ages, shapes sexes. But here he’s determined to see his fellow-Handsworth residents live a lengthy, healthy, happy life in the area they live, as they could then pass that on to the extended people in and around their individual lies.
Mr. Handsworth, soon to be 71, who was awarded the MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List in 2011 for his work in the community, is well aware of the many health issues that’s the bane of generations of people today, especially in his area. And, with his background in martial arts the security business and his longtime reputation as a top-class dancer, with a first-class personality, there’s no-one better, with the heart and mind that he has, he’s always been determined to bring his community, all of his people, together whilst at the same time keeping them fit, active and meeting new people who are in a similar position as them.
Heckter would even make efforts to run the class by speaking with his limited Punjabi! And when he asks the class if any of them are not enjoying it, no hands at all went up. So, they know it’s good for them. “Don’t just stay at home, watching the TV and making the roti”, he tells them.
The sessions have become such an enjoyable social event that allows them to interact with others, that they want Hector to have sessions more than once a week. “This is all about ‘unity in the community’ he says. He also encourages his people there about the ‘Mile Walk’ sessions he oversees as he also encourages people to join him in his regular walks through the leafy pathways around Handsworth Park and other areas around Birmingham.
But his infectious personality and approach to people and everyday life is a magnet to all those who meet and talk with him. And for Hector ‘Mr. Handsworth’ Pinkney, that’s his raison d'etre to put a smile on Handsworth’s face.
It’s also worth a mention that he also runs the Dojo Community Project, in Hockey, in Birmingham, which has its roots in the formation of the Nightingale Project, which was set up in 1960, by his mother, Mrs Mavis Pinkney. Its purpose is to nurture and empower people of all ages and ethnicities, as it provides a positive and motivational incentive to local young people through a variety of sports, health and fitness groups.
It also promotes the benefit of the inhabitants of Handsworth and neighbouring wards, without distinction of sex, sexual orientation, race or of political , religious or any other opinions, by associating together the said inhabitants and the local authorities, voluntary or other organisations in a common effort to advance education and to provide facilities in the interest of social welfare for recreation and leisure time occupation with the object of improving the conditions of life for the said inhabitants.
They don’t call him Mr. Handsworth for nothing!
