Leeds Pool hosts Swim Along Cinema Event

Bramley Baths, in Leeds hosted their first swim along cinema event as part of a new social enterprise that combines fun, art and exercise.

The pool, which has been community run since January 2013, hosted a temporary cinema on March 23 as part of their open day activities.

Viewers had the choice of Jaws (12A) or Finding Nemo (U) and were able to enjoy proceedings while they swam or from the upper balcony.

Photography by Lizzie Coombes.

The idea was created as part of the I Love West Leeds Festival who runs community events around Leeds. The Baths are in partnership with them and in the past have had two sell out events in association including an open water orchestra and an underwater art exhibition.

Jane Earnshaw, Festival Director of I Love West Leeds Festival created the idea behind the cinema: “We love producing events in unorthodox spaces & taking events right to people’s doorsteps here in West Leeds.”

Photography by Lizzie Coombes.

The event was supported by Community First, a national funding scheme to benefit deprived communities in the UK, who helped with funding which meant they could sell tickets at affordable prices, as they are a not-for-profit community leisure centre they wanted to ensure it was accessible to all.

Danny Whiteley, Manager of Bramley Baths said: “I love West Leeds Festival; they have consistently proved that with a bit of imagination, places like Bramley Baths can be used for all sorts of superb events. It was a great way to celebrate our third month as a new social enterprise.”

Both cinema showings saw a total of around 160 people, who were welcomed by a red carpet as well as ushers in costume.

Photography by Lizzie Coombes.

Fran Graham, Communications Volunteer said: “Despite the snow we had a brilliant turnout. Several people walked there and back from Armley they were so determined to see it.”

Customers were equally as pleased and enjoyed the atmospheric decorations including two 8 ft replica lighthouses for the showing of Jaws.

Photography by Lizzie Coombes

Shaun Chatterton said: “My favourite film just got scarier during one really frightening scene someone swam under my legs….it was terrifying – and brilliant!”

This is the first of two swim along events which have been planned for 2013 with I Love West Leeds Festivals. Dates and times are still to be confirmed for the next event.

To keep up to date with future events keep checking www.bramleybaths.com and www.ilovewestleeds.co.uk

Sunderland Aquatic Centre launches a gym style swimming initiative for 2013.

A fun fitness initiative is set to launch in leisure centres around the country next month, which blends the gym and the pool.

Sunderland Aquatic Centre is one of many that will be using SwimFit to get people motivated about swimming.

Swimfit sessions are based on the structure of gym classes, and take place in small groups led by qualified teachers.

Each swimmer will have a fitness card which has support and advice for their next sessions.

Lara Lill, head of health and wellbeing at the Amateur Swimming Association, said: “Ranging from beginner to advanced, Swimfit provides an all round workout which can lead to completing swim challenges or swimming at least once a week.”

Steve Dougal, Sunderland Aquatic Centre manager, is optimistic that SwimFit will encourage more people to take up swimming: “Customers will be motivated by the session and instructor. The key thing is how they interact with customers, which is what is missing in our programmes.”

Click here to visit the Sunderland Aquatic Centre website for opening times and programme events.

He hopes that customers will use the information from their personal sessions and continue outside of it.

He added: “It’s for those who want to increase fitness, there’s a gap that needed filling between what we do for recreational and clubs. This lands in the middle.”

The Aquatic Centre opened in 2008 and has been a thriving business for Sunderland. Robert Dobson, deputy manager believes this is down to variety: “We change our programme on a four monthly basis depending on what is popular. “

He believes leisure is a luxury now but the Aquatic Centre has made swimming a much more accessible sport, giving people a well-rounded leisure experience.

Joan Roberts, 28, Sunderland, Shop Assistant, visits the centre twice a week, she said: “Anything that gets you up and active is positive! It’s cheaper than the gym and more enjoyable. Swimfit will be very sociable as everyone has similar interests and is more engaged with the sport.”

To find out whether your local pool is taking part in Swimfit click here: http://www.swimming.org/swimfit

 

 

The Big Splash

In the summer of the Olympics, BBC and British Swimming teamed up to get the UK goggled and ready to swim. Celebrities and civilians alike participated in what is said to be one of the world’s biggest celebrations of swimming.

The Big Splash was designed to encourage everyone to swim, whether that is newcomers to the water or those who want to fine tune their strokes. With the help of the BBC, who promoted across TV, radio and online, the benefits and skills gained from swimming.

Local pools around the country run lots of fun activities for all ages that are designed to keep people fit and active but also passionate about swimming.

If you see this logo

Then your pool will have lots of amazing and unique activities for you to take part in.

You can get involved today, sign up on this link http://www.swimming.org/bigsplash/