Leisure News 07-May-08

Anglia Community Leisure
At its 17 April 2008 Council Meeting, Forest Heath District Council resolved that it would commence the transfer of its leisure facility operations to Anglia Community Leisure from 1 May 2008. Anglia Community Leisure has been established to manage the district’s major leisure facilities and to promote and further develop local sport, arts and heritage, community leisure and recreation.

Currently the Council directly provides the district’s major public leisure facilities and services; the new arrangement would see these subsequently being provided in partnership with a charitable based, not-for-profit, community organisation (Leisure Trust). It is directed by a voluntary based Trustee Board (of up to 12) and will initially comprise the majority of the Council’s existing management and staff following a transfer process. Tony Bass is the Chief Executive (Designate). Tony was previously Head of Leisure Services for Forest Heath Council.

Anglia Community Leisure is currently working in conjunction with the Council to prepare for receiving the services to be transferred. Initially the promotional material for the new May to August Activity Programmes displays the Leisure Trust’s new image, but the formal transfer of staff and full responsibilities has yet to be completed, but is expected soon.

Anglia Community Leisure’s Chairman is Richard Balfe. Originally from Mildenhall and now living in Newmarket, comes to the post with an impressive CV. Following a distinguished career in the Diplomatic Service, he was elected to the European Parliament in 1979. He is currently Chairman of a European Pension Fund based in Luxembourg, but his heart is at a much more local level:

“I took early retirement in 2004 and have the time and energy to take on a new challenge. I feel I could make a positive contribution to the local community and look forward to the Trust playing an important role in delivering community leisure services within the Forest Heath and wider area”.

Tim Young, a retired head teacher takes up the post of Vice-Chairman.

Anglia Community Leisure will soon be establishing its own communications base. In the mean time if you have any enquiries or are interested in becoming a Trustee please contact Tony Bass, Anglia Community Leisure on 01638 719219 or email tony.bass@angcomleisure.com

New leisure Centre – “It's getting there”.
Progress with the construction of the new leisure centre continues and is expected to open later this year.

Although the main sports hall and squash courts have been withdrawn from public use until re-opening, and we would like to thank our current customers for their continued support at this time. Throughout the development of the site we have tried as far as possible to keep the centre open and operating near normal.

The leisure centre continues to remain open with full access to Toners Fitness Studio, a comprehensive group exercise programme, our all-weather pitch, holiday activity programmes and a range of other activities, now utilising the Gymnasium. Reception services and changing facilities also continue to be available.

All customers and Active card holders are also reminded they are welcome in any other of Council leisure facilities within the district.

Should you wish to discuss your individual circumstances in more detail please contact Ruth Harman, Operations Manager or Judith Baldwin, Administrative Assistant at Newmarket Leisure Centre on 01638 662726.

We thank you for your continued support and consideration and look forward to welcoming you to our new facility.

Overview of new facilities