EW ROLE: Fireman Darren Masini with James and Scott at the fun day and, inset, Ben and Georgia enjoy the duck pond
HUNDREDS of people flocked to Calne Leisure Centre this May Bank Holiday to celebrate its first five months under local control.
More than 600 people attended the fun day and took part in various activities including swimathons, bungee runs, fun fair rides and a barbecue.
The centre was closed in March last year by North Wiltshire District Council after leisure company North Wilts Leisure went into debt, leaving the centre too expensive to run.
It was saved by members of Calne's business community who sold shares to those living in and around Calne to create the Calne Leisure Action Group.
The centre was opened at a ceremony on January 7 this year.
Centre manager Anita Hodgson said: "May Day was a huge success and everything went off without a hitch.
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"It was a great way to show the people of Calne and the surrounding areas that the leisure centre is back and stronger than ever before.
"Since we reopened we have had more than 500 people from all over the county sign up as members.
"Although we always knew the leisure centre was going to be a success, it is fair to say we are pleasantly surprised with the great reaction we have had.
"It was an absolute tragedy when the leisure centre was shut and the people of Calne were understandably furious."
Mother-of-two Karen Mayland, 38, of Braemor Road, took her daughters Elizabeth, five, and two-year-old Millie to the fun day.
She said: "It is great that the leisure centre is back and straightaway they are doing something for the community.
"I think that everyone in the town was reeling when the centre was shut and now we can all enjoy the facilities again.
"It was a fantastic, family way to spend the Bank Holiday and I look forward to see what the centre has to offer in the future."
The next major cornerstone for the leisure centre is the conversion of the squash court into a climbing wall later this year.
Posted by: Calne Resident, Calne on 1:14am Wed 14 May 08
Great to see that the Leisure Centre is thriving.
Thanks to all who helped work on the Centre, especially in the big rush over Christmas. It was well worth the effort.
Also to those who bought shares; I hope the Centre is developing in ways that will benefit you and the community.
It's good to see that the Centre is still good value and compares favourably with alternatives.
Great to see that the Leisure Centre is thriving.
Thanks to all who helped work on the Centre, especially in the big rush over Christmas. It was well worth the effort.
Also to those who bought shares; I hope the Centre is developing in ways that will benefit you and the community.
It's good to see that the Centre is still good value and compares favourably with alternatives.
Posted by: P Dolman, Calne on 3:50pm Wed 14 May 08
Calne resident thanks for you support. I can confirm that the leisure centre has almost 700 members who have paid for a years use of the leisure centre. There are also almost 700 shareholders who will have their 1st opportunity to attend an Extraordiary General Meeting on June 26th at the leisure centre, commencing at 7:30pm. The 7 elected directors will be up for relection, assuming that they all want to stand. Nomination papers are available for anyone who wishes to stand for election subject to a)being a shareholders of Calne Leisure Centre Ltd and b) obtaining 2 signatures from current shareholders. They can be obtained from the leisure centre.
In all we estimate some 1400 people are regularly using the Calne Leisure Centre, a reason for closure, I think not!
Calne resident thanks for you support. I can confirm that the leisure centre has almost 700 members who have paid for a years use of the leisure centre. There are also almost 700 shareholders who will have their 1st opportunity to attend an Extraordiary General Meeting on June 26th at the leisure centre, commencing at 7:30pm. The 7 elected directors will be up for relection, assuming that they all want to stand. Nomination papers are available for anyone who wishes to stand for election subject to a)being a shareholders of Calne Leisure Centre Ltd and b) obtaining 2 signatures from current shareholders. They can be obtained from the leisure centre.
In all we estimate some 1400 people are regularly using the Calne Leisure Centre, a reason for closure, I think not!
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