Celebrating ten fantastic years at the heart of the community, Crewe LC recently marked a milestone filled with movement, memories and meaningful moments. Since opening its doors on 1st April 2016, the centre has supported thousands of local people to live healthier, happier lives. But this story wouldn’t be complete without the incredible team who’ve been part of that journey, many right from the very beginning.
From welcoming the very first members through the doors, to growing into new roles, developing new skills and shaping the centre into what it is today, Crewe LC success has always been built on its people. Their stories, from early challenges to proud achievements, shine a light on the true heart of the centre: a team committed to making a positive difference, every single day.
As we celebrated ten years of Everybody values in action, we caught up with some of the staff whose journeys reflect how much Crewe LC, and its community, has grown along the way.
Alex Challis
Alex joined Crewe LC in 2016 as an assistant manager, right at the very start of its journey. Over the next two years, he played a key role in helping establish the centre and build strong foundations for the future.
His career with Everybody continued to grow, moving into a general manager role at Congleton LC between 2018 and 2021, followed by another general manager position at Wilmslow LC from 2021 to 2023. At the beginning of 2024, Alex took on a new challenge as general manager at Alsager LC.
Alex’s journey reflects the opportunities Everybody creates for people to grow, develop and take their experience from one community to another, carrying the same values wherever they go.
Ann-Marie Newton
Ann-Marie has been part of Crewe LC’s journey since the very beginning, and even before that, having spent seven years at the old pool prior to the opening of our centre. Over the last decade at Crewe LC, her role has evolved in a way few can match.
Starting out as a receptionist, Ann-Marie went on to become a swimming and aquafit teacher, lifeguard and fitness instructor across multiple disciplines. Today, she works within the health team, focusing on falls prevention, while still teaching, instructing and supporting members across the centre.
What makes Ann-Marie’s journey especially powerful is the variety of people she works with. From teaching swimming to babies as young as six months old, to supporting older participants, some in their 90s, her work truly spans generations.
And for Ann-Marie, Everybody is a family affair. Her son, Zak, has since joined the team at Crewe LC as a lifeguard, a proud moment that perfectly reflects the welcoming, supportive culture of the centre.
Paul Cartwright
Paul’s career in leisure started back in August 2004, when he joined as a lifeguard. From there, he continued to build his skills, qualifying as an ASA Level 2 swimming teacher and an RLSS NPLQ trainer assessor.
In April 2007, Paul became a duty manager at Crewe swimming pool and successfully retained the role when the old pool closed and Crewe LC opened in 2016, ensuring continuity, experience and reassurance for staff and members alike.
A major milestone came on 1st January 2023, when Paul was appointed assistant manager at Crewe LC. In this role, he supported the running of the centre and stepped up during challenging situations, including managing critical incidents when the centre was designated a refuge zone during a major fire in the Crewe area.
Alongside his management role, Paul has also taken on responsibilities as an investigation officer when needed, continuing to expand his skills and knowledge.
Through every step of his journey, Paul has remained focused on supporting his team and serving the local community, a commitment that perfectly reflects Everybody’s values in action.
Joanna Wooley
Joanna’s journey in Crewe began back in 2006, starting on poolside as a lifeguard. It wasn’t long before she discovered a passion for aquatic education and fitness, qualifying as a Level 2 swimming teacher and aqua fit instructor.
For many years, Joanna balanced lifeguarding, teaching swimming lessons and delivering three high-energy aqua classes each week, becoming a familiar, trusted face for countless members.
In 2016, she made the move to the new lifestyle centre, Crewe LC, a professional milestone soon followed by a personal one, welcoming her first daughter in 2017. Joanna continued to develop her career, stepping into leadership as a relief duty manager before moving into a full-time teaching role.
Life continued to bring big moments, including getting married in 2021, and then another exciting chapter in 2023. Joanna progressed into the role of aquatic lead and welcomed her second daughter, before moving to Sandbach.
Today, her journey has come full circle. While leading aquatic services in Sandbach, Joanna remains actively involved at Crewe LC, maintaining a strong connection to the centre and community where it all began.
Ten years on, Crewe LC continues to thrive because of the people who bring it to life. The staff who joined on day one, alongside those who’ve come along the way, have shaped the centre’s identity, supported its growth and created an environment where everybody feels welcome.
Their stories reflect the spirit of Crewe LC: progress, passion and a shared commitment to helping the community move more and feel better.
As we look ahead to the next ten years, we’re excited to keep growing, keep improving and keep making a difference together.
To our team, our members and our wider community, thank you for being part of this incredible journey.
Here’s to the next decade of teamwork, transformation and supporting everybody, for life.