Shenley Leisure Centre Oct-Dec 2023

Shenley Leisure Centre Newsletter

Issue 1 - October-December 2023 2nd Edition

Welcome to the October-December 2023 Edition of our first newsletter.

We want to keep you updated on everything at Shenley Leisure Centre & Sportsmen Rest.

In this Issue ·A few words from our Chairmen Chris Brown ·Interview with our General Manager Chris Passfield ·Update on Sports Hall & Gym Closure ·Astro Turf Repairs ·Employee Assistant Programme ·Fitness Class Timetable ·Clubs at Shenley Leisure Centre ·Activity Pricing ·Equipment for Sale & Hire ·Sportsmens Rest Information ·Christmas Opening Hours ·In the next issue/Advertising/Contact Us SHENLEY LEISURE CENTRE BURCHARD CRESCENT, SHENLEY CHURCH END, MILTON KEYNES MK5 6HF 01908 502488 WWW.SHENLEYLEISURE.ORG.UK

CHAIR OF THE TRUST – CHRIS BROWN

I cannot believe that I have been a Trustee of Shenley Leisure Centre (SLC) for 20 years, becoming involved in the Trust after taking over the social squash club some 5 years previously. The SLC is run as a charity and the council originally financially supported the centre, however this ceased 10 years ago but the centre continues to serve the local community in a wide range of sporting and leisure activities with an adjoining bar!

When I moved into the area in 1996, I fancied a pint and checked out the bar which was great, I was also really impressed with the way the SLC was set up for sport and fitness as it allowed people to join with no prohibitive annual membership fee, simply book, pay and play, perfect!

The staff are very helpful and friendly towards its customers whether frequenting the sporting areas or the bar, an ideal non-profit making organization for the local community. And it doesn’t stop there as the local secondary school Denbigh benefit from the SLC being an annexed neighbour who have the advantage of utilizing facilities like the Astro turf 5 a side pitches and the gym. In fact, my favourite sport is squash and the centre has two courts and many Denbigh students take part, some have represented the county and one achieved world ranking, Lee Drew, who now commentates for PSA squash tournaments which are shown on TNT Sports. These young squash enthusiasts were all encouraged and taught by our now retired Chief Executive Dave Hall who does so much for the SLC, he deserves a “medal”!

I have held the position of chair of the Trust since March 2021 as I retired from a local business in 2019 and had the time to dedicate. I have really enjoyed working with staff on various projects within and outside the centre. There are many people working hard behind the scenes to keep the SLC running smoothly especially during these challenging times after the pandemic, that sometimes do not necessarily get the recognition they deserve, so thank you. General Manager of the SLC, Chris Passfield with support of the staff, Trustees and Ian Joyce from the Denbigh Alliance have all been working very hard to overcome issues that threaten the very existence of the SLC in the last year. We currently find ourselves with a real threat to our business, Reinforced Autoclaved Aeriated Concrete, otherwise known as RAAC! Both the roofs of the Sports Hall and the Gymnasium are being replaced.

Fortunately, the roof of the Sports Hall was noticed as a problem in November 2022, so we are ahead of the queue and replacement work has already started and is due to be finished early next year. However, there are financial pressures on the centre and although we will get through this period it is vital that the local community continue to support the SLC. As mentioned SLC does not receive any grants from the council and is a private enterprise although still has charitable status and is serving the community in the same way. Due to diligent stewardship of the centre by management and staff supported by the board of trustees, all volunteers, the centre has continued to make headway even in these difficult times and plans are in place to improve the facilities, these developments will be revealed in the next newsletter, so watch this space.

Come in and pay us a visit, see you soon! www.shenleyleisure.org.uk

Chris Passfield General Manager You have been a GM since July-22, how have you found your 1st year in this role?

Really enjoyable. Being away for a year and returning in a different role to a largely different workforce was nice and refreshing. Getting to know everyone and learn what their skills were and how the centre was performing was great and seeing that a lot of the customers were still here was nice to see as well.

I would love to say the year was smooth, however there’re always the most unexpected of events that can throw you off the direction you were taking. Losing the Sports Hall and more recently the Gymnasium due to RAAC was not something anyone saw coming.

As Chris Brown alluded to in his editorial, sadly, we all know now RAAC is a nationwide issue now not just affecting us or Denbigh school. The pitches were also closed earlier this year due to essential repairs, this is covered later in the issue. Despite these setbacks, the future remains positive and early next year I, and all the staff hope to be able to start getting the centre thriving in all areas again.

What are you most excited about for the upcoming future of SLC? Following the earlier comments, short term is to get the centre fully open again filling the halls with the customers we have missed for such a long time. Hopefully pick up some new ones along the way as well. The atmosphere has been a lot quieter due to the reduced footfall, so the ‘buzz’ of the centre has been truly missed. There’s also exciting news around the corner which will be announced over the coming months and covered in the next issue.

What makes SLC stand out from other leisure centres?

I think the variety of pricing options help. We have standard rate, (Pay as you Go), Direct Debit rates or User Card rates for those that do not wish to commit to a direct debit. The choice is with the customer. There are no joining or signing up fee’s or cancellation fee’s so direct debits are easy for those that want the best prices. There are block bookings available for those wishing to guarantee their activity (depending on availability) and the staff are truly passionate about providing the best service. I like to think the customers notice this and respond positively. Our customers have always been very supportive and staff get to know them as people, there’s a real community vibe and both the staff and customers make that happen. www.shenleyleisure.org.uk

Do you feel SLC offers what the community needs?

Something we were missing and after listening to feedback we introduced online booking at the beginning of 2023. Providing an alternative booking option for those that choose to use it has been positively received. In terms of activities, we offer as much as we can right now. Of course, it would be wonderful to have more squash and badminton courts, another two or more 3G pitches as we cannot accommodate all requests we get.

We have a wide aerobics timetable and a fitness room which direct debit customers benefit from unlimited classes and fitness room usage. We host various clubs; community groups or individuals and have room/bar hire available for a variety of occasions as well. We’re also home to Shenley Church End Preschool, MK Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Clinic and What’s the Drama amongst many other clubs so there's lots going on.

Reading some Google reviews it seems like you’re all doing an amazing job, how else will you like to make your users have an even better experience?

Yes, we get a lot of positive feedback, also verbally from party/room hire and aerobics customers as well. This is a result from the efforts of all staff. From the first member of staff someone may see coming into the centre or bar, to the aerobics instructors, from the back-office staff to the frontline team, everyone has a role to play. All feedback is welcome and we’ll always respond if details are left.

I think its fair to say the changing rooms and toilets are adequate, however, to enhance the customer experience I would like to improve them, I feel a refurbishment is something that will make a real difference, if/when I am able to it. If I had a wish list and an endless budget, I would love to share all the ideas/improvements I have in mind but sadly I do not, that is not to say some improvements in the near future won’t happen.

Finally…what is SLC’s core values and how do you and your team achieve them?

Providing a clean, safe, and happy environment to the community. We do this by having a great team of staff that want the same goal, that pride themselves on providing a great service and want the best experience for the customer. y, usl o i v pre e now . w l v e evi re ha g too ity r g t n cil hin Cen ooki a t f g a sc isure line b their gin n a a n h er Le se Aft nley o an o to u mc . ' I e n le * Sh ted t ab easo to 5 a m r * d iew up ow I a r this rom 1 v e r e d n se fo ting f ogl An a a o e r G h my g. wit n i en list r fo nks a Th

Ever yone cust was help agai omer ca ful, n, so re, w fa i l i l m work defin ntastic p r e s ing o itely n the sed and coul b dn’t p nigh leas ook h t a e were d ve g too m one exce , staff uch, b ett llent exce . it llent er, nothi ng w serv frien as ic dly t eam e from a Vari . ous quot e feed back s from o ur p ques arty tion nair es www.shenleyleisure.org.uk

SPORTS HALL & GYMNASIUM ROOF WORK Towards the end of 2022, a routine survey identified that there might be possibly some RAAC (Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete) in the Sports Hall.

In response, a professional structural survey was undertaken throughout the whole site in November 2022, which confirmed that the product was present.

Throughout the entire process Denbigh Academy and Shenley Leisure Centre have adhered to Government guidelines and Denbigh Academy was successful in an application for funding to replace both the Sports Hall and Gymnasium roofs, including a new floor in the Gym. These areas are the only two identified as having RAAC. Initially the Gym was deemed safe to continue using until very late August 2023 when the Government changed their stance on any educational buildings that had RAAC identified.

Further updates will be communicated as we get them.

Thank you to those that have provided your booking forms for next year. We've been working hard updating the booking system ready for you to start your activity again in the near future. Please contact blockbookings@shenleyleisurecentre.co.uk to enquire about availability next year.

Work begun in early July 2023 with regards to replacing the Sports Hall roof. As a result you will notice a building compound at the rear of the building. Since the news that the Gym had to close earlier than expected, preparation work has also begun in there. Initially the Sports Hall reopening was due for January 2024 which we are still planning for and the Gym was due to have its precautionary measurers in place by May 2024. At this time I have not had confirmation if these completion dates have changed, so will update again in the next issue.

Thank you for your patience while this essential works take place. We fully understand how much of an impact losing these facilities has been to our clubs and the wider community. www.shenleyleisure.org.uk

Astro Turf Repairs

You may or may not be aware both of the 3G pitches had some repairs earlier this year. Following an inspection it was deemed necessary to do quite significant repairs to both surfaces. This resulted in a closure which effected us longer than expected while the work took place. The top pitch is due to have further repairs and dates will be communicated to bookings when they are confirmed.

These pitches are very popular, particularly during the winter months and are in an ideal location, whether it’s a group of friends, a club or a training venue there are changing facilities and a bar to refresh yourself in after. If you would like to enquire about availability, particularly at weekends when we offer reduced rates please email blockbookings@shenleyleisurecentre.co.uk or call 01908 502488.

I've been a member for over a decade and a half and the amenities are vast. Staff are friendly and professional Google review www.shenleyleisure.org.uk

Employee Assistant Programme

Shenley Leisure centre have teamed up with Citation & Bupa to deliver this service to provide confidential mental health and wellbeing support services that contribute to wellbeing strategy and help satisfy duty of care as an employer.

The Employee Assistance Plus Programme provided by Bupa includes: 24/7 helpline for employees and their loved ones (anyone over 16 years living at the same address) Specialist wellbeing helpline offered by qualified counsellors Legal and financial specialist helplines to provide factual information only Face to Face counselling for short-term therapy, delivered virtually with the same counsellor to discuss an ongoing issue Onward referral and signposting to trained nurses via our 24/7 helpline for issues of a medical nature Emotional and practical advice on Child and Elder care support Access to unlimited online self-help support

www.shenleyleisure.org.uk

www.shenleyleisure.org.uk

Here are some of the Clubs/Groups we host at SLC CFDA Shenley Jujitsu Club CMK Shotokan Karate CMK Squash Harlequins Trampoline Club Jill Foster Dance Centre KMDT Opa-cize Dance Club Milton Keynes Junior Badminton Club Mk 50+ Badminton Club Dance Fanatix Bollywood Dance Shenley Boasters Squash Emerson Valley FC Taidokhan Aikido Shenley Squash Club Temple Martial Arts What's the Drama MK Bucks Korfball Club Shenley Badminton Club Shenley Church End Preschool Shakti Dance School Shenley FC Tuesday 60+ Bingo Group

For more details about some of these clubs please visit shenleyleisure.org.uk/clubs/ or to enquire about availability for space or to have your club details on our website please email blockbookings@shenleyleisurecentre.co.uk

Price Guide 2023

Equipment for hire & sale

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE/HIRE MITRE FOOTBALL – £12.00 FEATHERED SHUTTLECOCK SINGLE – £3.50 FEATHERED SHUTTLECOCK 12 PACK – £25.00 PLASTIC SHUTTLECOCK SINGLE – £2.00 PLASTIC SHUTTLECOCK 6 PACK – £9.99 RACKET GRIPS – £3.00 RED DOT BALL – £3.00 SINGLE DOT BALL – £3.20 DOUBLE DOT BALL – £3.30 GRIPS – £3.00 STANDARD TABLE TENNIS PADDLE – £5.00 PRO TABLE TENNIS PADDLE – £12.00 YOU CAN ALSO HIRE SQUASH, TABLE TENNIS AND BADMINTON RACKETS FROM £2 A PAIR www.shenleyleisure.org.uk

Sportsmens Rest Information

Upcoming Entertainment

October

November

Fri 13th, Sounds Cool Disco/Karaoke from 7pm.

Fri 27th, Halloween with The Estrella’s from 8pm. Free

Fri 3rd, King of the Kerb from 8pm. Free.

Fri 10th, Sounds Cool Disco/Karaoke from 7pm.

December

Monday Night Quiz Dates

9th & 23rd Oct Fri 1st, Sounds Cool 13th & 27th Nov Disco/Karaoke from 11th & 18th Dec 7pm.

Fri 15th, Christmas 60+ Bingo Group with Elvis from 8pm. Every Tuesday from 13.30 Free www.shenleyleisure.org.uk

Sportsmens Rest Information

There’s plenty to choose from in the Sportsmens Rest, from coffee to cocktails, from draft to mocktails you’ll find something that suits your taste.

www.shenleyleisure.org.uk

Christmas Opening Hours

Come for a drink on Christmas day, bar open 12.00-14.00.

The full festive opening hours will be available soon.

When confirmed they will be published on our website, social media pages & around the centre & bar.

www.shenleyleisure.org.uk

Included in the next issue

Meet the team Sports hall & gym roof update 2024 bar entertainment Advertising If anyone is interested in advertising, whether a club, regular user or business please get in touch or to leave any feedback please email enquiries@shenleyleisurecenre.co.uk.

If you are a club and do not have your clubs details on our website please also email and provide a brief description to blockbookings@shenleyleisurecenre.co.uk.

Contact us

Shenley Leisure Centre Burchard Crescent, Shenley Church End, Milton Keynes MK5 6HF 01908 502488 www.shenleyleisure.org.uk www.bookings.shenleyleisure.org.uk enquiries@shenleyleisurecentre.co.uk www.shenleyleisure.org.uk