Annual Report - Stevenage Leisure

L E I S U R E
Sports & Fitness@stevenage
The sports & fitness facilities at Stevenage Arts &
Leisure Centre continued to work closely with
other departments to host a variety of leisure and
cultural activities and events.
The Main Hall and Bowls Hall were used to their full potential
throughout the year hosting a number of various activities and events.
As well as housing over 40 sporting clubs throughout the week, the
halls are often used at weekends to allow us to run sporting events,
children’s parties, concerts, conferences and weddings.
Throughout the year there were a number of martial events including
regional karate gradings and British kendo tournaments. We also
hosted a number of county badminton tournaments in both halls,
and a national junior badminton tournament in December. Also
throughout the year we had a county bridge tournament and a
national baton twirling championship held at the centre. We also
held the national women’s police basketball tournament over a 2-day
period, which was very successful.
We continued our partnership with Sport Stevenage, with the mini
Olympics being held in both halls and the squash courts, giving the
opportunity for hundreds of children to enjoy taster sessions in a
variety of sports.
The non-sporting events continued to increase throughout the year,
with the Main Hall & Bowls Hall converted to allow the centre to
offer high-class events. The transformation of the sports/bowls hall in
these instances can be truly remarkable.
The facility successfully continued its work with local clubs in a variety
of sports from netball and badminton to bowls and ballet. The sports
& fitness areas of the centre alone attracted over 143,000 users in
the year, not including those attending other main events in these
areas.
To raise awareness, whilst also giving our customers something to
work towards, we staged a Dance Spectacular in June and again in
December. Not only did these events attract over 600 people each
time to watch our class users perform, they also managed to raise
over £5,000 for worthy local charities.
The fitness suite ran a range of promotions throughout the year, often
alongside the Wellness membership at the Swimming Centre to help
increase awareness at both sites.
What our members said...
“After suffering from an intermittent running injury for over a year,
I decided it was time to take action! Conveniently, being a trainer
in Stevenage Leisure Centre, Chris was able to create a training
plan that took my injury into account, so I was able to maintain
my level of fitness whilst undergoing treatment.
The treatment itself was rigorous and provided relief from an
awkward injury. Coupled with the advice given by Chris it proved
to be effective as I am now able to run long distance again.
Having an injury can be infuriating at times and the treatment
and support I received was excellent. Chris provided a friendly and
professional service that achieved results.”
Kirsty Rimmer
“I would just like to say how pleased I am that I joined Stevenage
Leisure Centre. Not only have I found that they have the best
exercise machines in Stevenage but they also offer the best value.
The staff I have found to be very friendly and able to give good
advice. Since joining I have lost over half a stone and thanks to
Brad I am starting to gain more muscle.
I would recommend that anybody looking to get fit and perhaps
lose some weight should consider joining Stevenage Leisure
Centre.”
Ken Attwell
“I joined the gym in October 2010, at the time I was suffering
quite badly with Sciatica, and was taking a lot of medication.
Chris Tillbrook made up a program for me to work through, the
idea being to strengthen my core muscles to help my back.
I have been coming to the gym three times a week, and Chris has
gradually increased my programme as I have progressed.
For the last three months I have been totally pain free, and have
come off all the medication, I have even started to play golf again,
something I never thought I would be doing this time last year.
I am amazed the difference coming to the gym has made, and am
very grateful to Chris and all the staff there.”
Russell Horton
26 Annual Report 2010/11