BGT winner hoping padel can tackle rural isolation

A third-generation farmer is hoping to combat rural isolation by opening an indoor padel club.

Ben Chick, who won Britain's Got Talent as a member of Hawkstone Farmer's Choir, works on his family farm in Sixpenny Handley in Dorset.

The choir was set up by Oxfordshire farmer and broadcaster Jeremy Clarkson to support the rural community with their mental health.

Chick is now hoping to continue to spread the choir's message back home in rural Dorset, by creating a place people can come together.

In 2015, Dorset Council stated one in five households were vulnerable to social isolation and loneliness in the county.

It said the environment, life events and social factors can all amplify this.

Chick said: "All of these villages around here really don't have anywhere to congregate, and the sense of community has really been lost in the last 20 years.

"People are more connected than ever and I feel more lonely than ever."

If his planning application is approved, Chick will build Chalk & Padel - a facility combining padel courts, wellness facilities and a New Zealand-inspired cafe.

He hopes it might help those most vulnerable in the county - as well as becoming a destination in itself.

The sport, played typically in a doubles format, has seen its popularity boom in recent years.

The racquets have no strings and players can bounce the ball off the walls.

Chick says the "inherent nature of the game" - playing as a group of four in a small space - means people come together to play.

"I just think in a world of social media these sorts of physical venues are where the future is," he added.

His understanding of the importance of community support comes after his own health journey.

Following a period of working in New Zealand, Chick became unwell and then suffered with chronic fatigue.

"I was in bed for about four months when I got home to the UK, and that was really tough," he said.

"For someone my age to go through something like that, I think it really puts your life on a complete stop."

Chick believes that, particularly in rural areas, wellbeing centres could make a real difference.

"This country needs a real uplift and I think these sorts of venues are the answer to be honest," he added.

Subject to approval, it is hoped the centre would open in early 2027.

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