50 best moments of Everybody Leisure 2014-15
2014-15 has been a fantastic year for Everybody Leisure, with our new Trust forming on the 1st May, new members of staff joining us and of course a year filled with sporting activities, events and inspirational customer achievements.
Let’s all take a trip down memory lane and look back on a great year with our 50 best moments so far…
1. NEW EVERYBODY TRUST LAUNCHED
After months of hard work by the Everybody Team and Cheshire East Council, we were very pleased to announce the launch of your new leisure trust and our brand new website. We established our main aims to deliver ‘Leisure for Life’ for our customers across Cheshire East
2. £1.65M PER ANNUM SAVED BY EVERYBODY SINCE TRANSFER
(equating to £25M over the length of the contract) which has contributed to protecting front-line services, keeping all Leisure Centres open across Cheshire East and ensuring investment in the future e.g. Crewe and Congleton Leisure Centres
3. CONGLETON QUEENS BATON RELAY
THOUSANDS of cheering families welcomed the Queen’s Commonwealth Baton Relay to Congleton.
They flocked to enjoy a community event marking a milestone in the town’s history as the only non-city in England selected to host the baton on its epic journey to Glasgow.
Everybody Leisure staff staged a wide range of sport-related activities to encourage a healthy lifestyle with families enjoying taster sessions at Congleton Leisure Centre and fun sport in the park.
4. CREWE POOL 100 MILE CYCLE CHALLENGE
A team from Crewe Pool took part in the 100 mile challenge to raise money for cancer. The challenge included climbing Snowdon (8miles), biking back to Crewe (90miles) and swimming 108 lengths (2 miles) – all in one day. Thanks to everyone’s generosity they managed to raise £3,011.90!
5. NATIONAL TABLE TENNIS TOURNAMENT
The Special Olympics GB 2014 National Table Tennis Tournament returned to its regular home at Sir William Stanier Leisure Centre in Crewe on 10– 11 May. The annual event, organised by the South Cheshire Special Needs Table Tennis Club for the last twenty years, saw players from all over Britain take part with the Crewe-based club winning over thirty of the medals available.
6. 100 DAYS OF THE TRUST CELEBRATIONS
Our centres celebrated 100 days of our new trust by launching open days, family fun days, free sessions and releasing over 100 balloons filled with a month pass for residents to find and win! The lucky winner was Dave Orton from Hinkley in Leicestershire, he found Victoria Community Centres balloon and donated the prize to a charity of the centre’s choice which was the Children’s Adventure Farm Trust.
7. SUMMER HOLIDAY PROGRAMME
Every year our centres create a fun-filled programme of activities for families during the summer holidays. In 2014 the leisure development team included a day-long street sports tournament at the Cumberland Arena which saw 7 a-side teams compete to be ‘Street Sports Champions’ for 2014 with ages ranging from 8 to 16 years and 16 to 25 years.
The programme also included Sandbach Leisure Centre supporting the National Play Day in the town park hosting sports themed activities for both children and adults including the step challenge and football goal challenge.
8. VOLUNTEERS TRIP TO COMMONWEALTH GAMES
17 volunteers took a trip to the commonwealth games to share with skills and knowledge of sports with workshops in Glasgow, whilst also being able to see the netball and athletics tournaments.
9. TRIATHLON SEASON
Everybody saw some fantastic triathlon and duathlon events during 2014 in Macclesfield, Wilmslow, Nantwich Outdoor Pool and Poynton. Our very own Hamish Shaw even managed to win the South Manchester Sprint Tri 2014 in Wilmslow!
10. CONGLETON BORN SURVIVOR
The Congleton based military fitness class led by fitness instructor Darren Royle took part in the tough challenge of Born Survivor in September. They braved the elements of wind, rain and mud to complete a difficult assault course. Their team work shone through with all participated clearing the finish line.
11. HEART SAFE GYM OF THE YEAR SHORTLIST
In the last 12 months we have trained over 250 of our staff from lifeguards to managers ensuring they are all trained to use the AED’s (defibrillators) during opening hours. Due to this we were nominated for Heart Safe Gym of the Year and made it to the shortlist.
12. LEISURE INDUSTRY WEEK
Leisure facility staff and the marketing team visited the annual Leisure Industry Week exhibition at the NEC Birmingham to review and purchase the latest fitness and leisure products and services currently on the market. With innovative technology and ground-breaking education the week long event allows leisure professionals to improve their current offer and stay up to date with national trends.
13. UK VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR WINNER
Daniel Masser’s story of bravery, dedication and determination was rewarded with the North West Winner and Volunteer’s Volunteer Award, as voted for by fellow volunteers from all around the country, at The Co-operative Street Games Young Volunteers awards.
14. LIFEGUARD TRIATHLON WINNER
A record number of lifeguards took part in the 9th annual CIMSPA& IQL UK lifeguard triathlon. 981 lifeguards from 58 pools across the UK competed and our very own Adam Frost was crowned overall winner with a perfect 100% score!
15. WILMSLOW GETS NEW SPIN BIKES
Wilmslow now have a suite of new spin bikes (Matrix ic3) in the fitness suite with two of them hooked up to the Matrix myride. This enables you to do a virtual instructor led or custom made session without an instructor
16. EVERYBODY AWARDS
On 20th November 2014 the Everybody Awards were held at Cranage Hall, Cheshire where inspiring volunteers, sporting clubs, and individuals from the region gathered to be recognised for their achievements and helping change lives through healthy recreation.
The prestigious awards night welcomed over 160 guests including nominees and was hosted by BBC Radio Manchester presenter Mike Shaft.
17. EVERYBODY CHALLENGE SIGN UPS!
It only takes 30 minutes of exercise five times per week to change your life. 100’s of our Everybody customers and sporting stars signed up to the Everybody Challenge in 2014-15 to pledge to get more active and are now taking on phase two – Zero to Hero event challenges!
18. STUART LOSES 9 STONE
Stuart has been coming to Nantwich Pool for a couple of years and when he first started to lose weight he was 24 stone 8lbs. He recently set himself a target to lose as much weight as he could in 6 months. By taking on the Everybody Challenge he has been able to lose an incredible 9 stone.
19. ED AN INSPIRATION TO MS SUFFERERS
Ed Weenski from Wilmslow has been a true inspiration not only to other MS sufferers but to anyone who has given all the excuses they could think of to avoid exercising,
Ed is in a wheelchair because he has primary progressive multiple sclerosis, primary progressive meaning in gets worse as he gets older affecting his lower body more than anything else. Going to the gym at Wilmslow Leisure Centre has turned his life around, helping him battle depression, get fit and keep his body strong.
Ed is now a member of the MS Society in Macclesfield regularly attending to inspire others, socialise and take part in the new activity hub.
20. ANDREW ASPIRE CHALLENGE
When Andrew was just a young boy he ran out in front of a car to fetch his football. Andrew suffered severe spinal cord injury’s and has been in a wheelchair ever since.
He took on the Aspire Channel Swim Challenge at Wilmslow Leisure Centre to raise funds for people with spinal cord injury. That’s swimming 22 miles in 12 weeks at his local leisure centre pool!
21. JULIAN TAME RETURNS BACK TO WORK
Julian Tame, last year suffered a heart attack which meant he could no longer work. He desperately needed to get himself fit and healthy so he decided to take on the Everybody Challenge at Wilmslow Leisure Centre by joining the Active Hearts rehab group.
One year later and Julian is now not only back to work but cycling there too in all weather conditions!
22. BILL JOHNSON WALKS AGAIN
In 2009 Bill had an accident, where a tree fell on his legs, taking two inches out of the top of his left leg; resulting in a major soft tissue injury to upper left leg and DVT to lower left leg, plus a damaged sciatic nerve to the right leg.
He came in to Macclesfield Leisure Centre on two sticks and bent double, he could hardly walk. The fitness staff took the time to help Bill get fit and now in October 2014 he can walk without sticks, he can climb stairs and has lost 4 stone in weight!
23. PATRICIA CAN NOW HAVE A FAMILY LIFE
Joining Macclesfield Lesiure Centre has opened up a new lease of life for Patricia, radio presenter at Canalside Radio. She always wanted to join the gym and used to peer through the doors, she had a fear of joining the gym.
After an illness she suffered a lot of problems and needed to do something to kick start back up again. She is now able to play with her 8 year old granddaughter which was her main goal!
24. NEW ALSAGER GYM OPENING
Alsager has been refitted with a brand new fitness suite, comprising of top of the range equipment. The suite now has brand new Matrix CV and Resistance Training equipment including the sought after Ellipitical trained that works the whole body! The official opening was in January with special guests including Olympic Freestyle Skier Rowan Cheshire and Swimming Athlete Olivia Cork!
25. EVERYBODY HEALTHY PILOT LAUNCHED
Everybody in partnership with Cheshire East Council Health Improvement Team is piloting a new lifestyle programme in Crewe and Nantwich targeting those who are overweight, who smoke, are inactive or have mental health issues. Health Trainers work on a one-to-one basis providing specialist fitness, nutrition and lifestyle advice.
26. SPORT RELIEF
Two sport relief mile events were held in Crewe and Macclesfield in 2014 which raised an incredible £7,842.56! This year was a record-breaking year for Sport Relief who announced a total of £71.8 million raised and we are proud of those who helped achieve this target.
27. OVER 40 NEW CAREERS IN LEISURE
Since the launch of the Trust in May 2014, Everybody has been able to recruit over 40 new roles in leisure from cleaners, receptionist, lifeguards and managers. The recruitment drive is continuing in 2015 as the trust aims to create more permanent roles in the leisure industry.
28. FESTIVE FUN RUN WINNER
A ‘Festive Fun Run’ took place at Queens Park, Crewe with 3km, 5km runs and a snowman stroll. Our very own Robert Douglas, fitness instructor at Crewe Swimming Pool dresses as an Elf and beat a Christmas Tree to the post winning the 5km run!
29. EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR
Hilary Pemberton was awarded Employee of the Year after making an exceptional contribution to the new organisation at Macclesfield Leisure Centre consistently going above and beyond in her role as Duty Manager. She was voted for by customers, colleagues and her manager.
30. INCREASED CENTRE OPENING
Due to customer feedback Everybody made the decision to increase opening hours of the leisure centres during the Christmas Holiday and Bank Holiday Seasons. Wilmslow Leisure Centre even opened on Boxing Day welcoming customers who wanted to burn off their turkey dinners in the gym and pool!
31. EVERYBODY THEATRE’S FIRST SELL OUT PANTOMIME
For one night only Alsager Leisure Centre transformed the Sports Hall into a theatre and hosted it’s first ever pantomime Cinderella. Oh no you didn’t, oh yes we did!
The night was a resounding success with over 200 tickets sold to families of all ages. We would love to hear more ideas of how our sports halls can be transformed!
32. WINNER LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP
Robert Evans from Alsager was crowned winner of the Everybody Challenge prize draw winning a lifetime membership with Everybody. Picked at random Robert is now utilising the gym and pool to train for his first triathlon at Nantwich on 31st May. He has even taken up adult swimming lessons to perfect his technique.
33. ZERO TO HERO PARTNERSHIPS
Everybody has collaborated with fitness event organisers across the UK to launch exclusive member benefits including discounts and merchandise. Members who signed up to the Everybody Challenge can now go from Zero to Hero by taking their training to the next level and committing to take part in events such as Born Survivor, Hell Runner and the UKTriathlon Series.
Everybody is also using the #TeamEverybody challenges to raise money for the British Heart Foundation.
34. APPRENTICESHIP SCHEME LAUNCH
From 1st May, Everybody is providing 10 apprenticeship opportunities to gain first hand experience of a number of areas within the leisure trust. Opportunities include Leisure Operations, Leisure Development and Business Support.
35. RUNNING CLUBS IN NANTWICH, CREWE AND POYNTON LAUNCHED
Run leaders in locations across Cheshire East have launched a number of running clubs to help Everybody customers start on their fitness journey. Whether a complete beginner or training for an event the running clubs cater for all and are welcoming more members to join throughout the year.
36. WALKING FOOTBALL A HIT!
Walking Football is proving to be ever-more popular at our sites including the Barony Sports Complex and Macclesfield Leisure Centre helping the over 50’s get back into the game. A great way to socialise and keep active!
37. SHAVINGTON’S NEW FUNCTIONAL TRAINING RIG
Shavington’s gym has recently been improved with the addition of a new functional rig. It is designed with a number of pull bars as part of its framework with separate attachments, TRX Suspension and a punch bag to work a variety of muscles groups.
38. HOLMES CHAPEL 3G PITCH OPENING
Former England international footballer Dean Ashton opened Holmes Chapel’s new 3G pitch on 11th February. Everybody is working with Holmes Chapel Comprehensive School to manage bookings for football tournaments, walking football, junior coaching, girls football and more!
39. LOCAL ATHLETES OLIVIA CORK & ROWAN CHESHIRE JOIN APA PROGRAMME
After losing her leg to bone cancer at 14, Olivia is now making great achievements in her swimming and competing at international level this year. Rowan Cheshire is a British freestyle skier currently training to compete in the 2015 winter games. Both athletes are now part of the Athlete Performance Academy which is designed to support individuals who are training and competing in sport at regional, national and international level.
40. FREE PARKING FOR NANTWICH POOL CUSTOMERS
From 1st May Everybody customers will benefit from up to two hours free parking when using the facilities at Nantwich Pool. This is as a result of a recent customer survey and following the support of Cllr David Marren.
41. NATIONAL CAREERS WEEK JOB SWAP
Members of staff from different areas of the business took part in a job shadow day to find out more about their colleagues. CEO Peter Hartwell took part swapping his suit for swimming shorts and helping swimming teachers with their lesson!
42. STUDIO IMPROVEMENTS IN KNUTSFORD
The ‘Attic’ Room was refurbished earlier in the year creating a fantastic new fitness studio for a range of classes.
43. 1000 NEW EVERYBODY MEMBERS!
We have welcomed 1000 new members since the launch of the Trust. Thank you all for choosing us and we look forward to helping you all achieve your health and fitness goals!
44. 6000 CHILDREN TRAINED WITH BIKEABILITY
Bikeability scheme over achieved with over 6000 Years 3 & 4 children trained (DfT funded 5300 spaces)
45. RECORD YEAR FOR VOLUNTEERING
Our Volunteer scheme saw a record year with over 7,200 hours of volunteering. Our volunteers are vital in delivering coaching, playschemes and supporting with events and activities throughout Cheshire East.
46. 8/10 CUSTOMER SATISFACTION RATING
Our annual Customer Survey revealed an outstanding 8/10 overall satisfaction rating and successfully gave us a focus on areas for improvement for the next few years!
47. DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT OF NEW LIFESTYLE CENTRES
Everybody has supported the design and development of new Lifestyles Centres planned for Crewe and Congleton.
48.PLANNED £4M INVESTMENT AT MACCLESFIELD LEISURE CENTRE
Everybody has helped Cheshire East Borough Council put together their business case for the planned £4M investment at Macclesfield LC from 2016-17.
49. EARLY MORNING OPENING FOR MACCLESFIELD & WILMSLOW
Due to customer demand both Macclesfield and Wilmslow Leisure Centre are now open earlier in the morning for anyone looking to exercise before their journey to work.
50. NANTWICH POOL OPENS EARLY FOR SUMMER
Nantwich Outdoor Pool has been opened a few weeks earlier for the summer following customer feedback. In 2014 we were also proud that it was named one of Britain’s Best Outdoor Pools by the Telegraph
.
WHAT WE HAVE TO LOOK FORWARD TO…
EVERYBODY ACADEMY
Everybody training arm launches May 2015
UKTriathlon series
Everybody members & Staff take on the challenge
Born Survivor Manchester
Customers and members take on the military style obstacle course
GOTRI Congleton
Everybody hosts first beginner’s triathlon event in Congleton
Crewe Pool Cycle Challenge 2015
Crewe Pool staff take on Hadrian’s Wall to raise money for Blood Bikes and The British Heart Foundation
Family and Adult Cycling Training and Led Rides
More cycling schemes for families and adults to encourage a greener future and safer journeys
Concert for heroes
supporting both Help for Heroes and Royal British Legion, Fodens Band will play at Congleton Leisure Centre
Thank you to everyone who has helped us achieve these moments, we are excited to continue delivering Leisure for Life.
We would love to share your first year with Everybody Leisure on our blog and social media sites! Send your pics and stories here:
Tweet us: @EBLeisure
Email: [email protected]
Tag us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/everybodysportrecreation
Tag us on Instagram: @EBleisure