Autumn 2023

FEATURE
Why we Need the Weald Sports Centre!
The Weald Sports Centre is
central to our community. It is
where countless children (and
adults) have learned to swim. It
brings people together as they
watch and wait for whoever is in the pool.
If offers a wide range of exercise classes
and group sports sessions. People not only
learn new skills and “play” for enjoyment;
they can play competitively. Above all, it
is a place where people’s health can be
improved, restored and maintained in an
environment that is safe and collaborative.
But the truth is that not enough people are
using it!
Covid dealt the country’s 1,800 public and
private sports and leisure centres a huge
body blow. Restrictions meant that normal
business and most activities were brought
to a halt. A report published in March 2001
revealed that 39 per cent of them were at
severe risk of partial or total closure. The
UK has seen 400 swimming pools close since
2012 (pre-Covid, yes, but it hastened the
demise of many). And now we have the cost
of living crisis and a huge hike in energy
bills. It doesn’t take Sherlock Holmes to
realise that running a sports centre with a
swimming pool is now prohibitively costly!
“Despite its considerable
challenges, the Weald is still
going strong. New manager,
Jason Still, is turning things
around”
It’s clear that the closures will continue –
and the Weald could be at risk.
This makes grim reading. Of course, these
centres are essential to the nation’s health. In
March 2020, statistics revealed that they save
the NHS £7.25 million every week by reducing
health conditions such as strokes, heart
disease, diabetes, colon and breast cancers,
dementia and depression. They also prevent
the development of 900,000 Type 2 diabetes
cases and 1.5 million cases of back pain
each year and we have them to thank for an
annual saving of £405 million by preventing
30 million GP appointments. These statistics
shout out how important it is for us to have a
sports centre here in the parish.
WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP
Despite its considerable challenges, the
Weald is still going strong. New manager,
Jason Still, is turning things around. Check
out the website (www.fusion.com/centres/
the-weald-sports-centre). It has new classes
and new instructors: from circuit training,
body conditioning, group cycling and yoga
to Pilates, aqua aerobics, body pump and
Zumba. Not to mention badminton, football
and pickleball! It has retained good opening
hours. There have been no price rises to try
to address growing bills, the gym has been
recently refurbished and boasts new, wellmaintained
equipment. And there are now
more staff.
If you haven’t been for a while, why not
take another look? There is a lot going on and
there are plans for more. Of course, money is
short, there is no miracle cure. But what we
can do is support what we have, work together
and ensure that the Weald remains at the
core of our community. Many people depend
upon it, not only for their leisure but for their
physical and mental health. Cllr David Selby
VACANCY
The Weald has vacant positions to fill – if
you know of anyone who would want to
work (f/t or p/t) please contact Jason (jason.
still@fusion-lifestyle.com) for the details or
find them at www.fusion.careers/jobs
18 The Cake • Autumn 2023