Hartsdown pool’s Golden Anniversary Celebrations
The Mayor and Mayoress of Margate (Cllr Jack Packman and Mrs Karen Brinkman) led the celebrations last weekend (Saturday, 20 July) as Hartsdown swimming pool celebrated 50 years of helping everyone within in the community to “Live Better” – exactly 50 years to the day of its prestigious grand opening in 1974. Almost 300 swimmers of all ages and backgrounds joined in with the festivities as people flocked from all over to have a dip on what was a perfect summer’s day. Hartsdown pool opened on Saturday, 20 July 1974 and was the district's first indoor swimming facility. To mark this occasion, Your Leisure held a family fun day with free swimming and sports hall activities for all to come and enjoy.
To open the fun day, the Mayor and Mayoress of Margate along with Warren Reeves, Managing Director of Your Leisure, held a ceremony delivering speeches to the gathered crowds, Hartsdown Leisure Centre team and Your Leisure Sports Foundation members as well as competition winners.
The ceremony gathered in the centre’s lobby where the original brass plaque, a 50-year-old symbol of the centre's rich history, was proudly displayed. After the speeches which conveyed the importance of local leisure facilities to the wellbeing, health and opportunity for local residents, there was a prize presentation for the finalists and winner of the Hartsdown 50 Mascot Competition. With over 30 entrants, 5 designs were shortlisted for the public vote back in June. Over 300 votes were cast and the winner was 9-year-old Vethumya who on the day was joined by her family to receive the prizes. The Mayor and Mayoress presented Vethumya with her winning design incorporated into a special framed poster and a mountain bike courtesy of The Bike Shed Kent. The runners up also received prizes on the day for their wonderful efforts.
Vethumya and family showcasing the winning design.
Runners up Amelia, Sadie and Isabel receiving their goodie bags.
Warren Reeves, Managing Director of Your Leisure Said; “I grew up swimming at Hartsdown Leisure Centre, from lessons to club swimming, this centre holds a special place in my heart and I am so pleased that as Managing Director of Your Leisure, I can be part of the legacy and guide the centre into the future. I learned to swim here and we still run top-level swimming lessons which have seen thousands of children take that first step into the pool and guided them all the way to completive swimming. Seeing so many people turn out to help us mark this occasion has been inspiring for the team here whose hard work keeps the centre. I’d like to thank the Mayor and Mayoress for joining us and congratulations to our competition winners. The Hartsdown swimming pool, over its five decades of existence, has consistently encouraged and facilitated healthier, happier lifestyles for the community it serves, and this landmark anniversary was a testament to its enduring impact. The centre is not just for members, we are open to all.”
The Academy FM Thanet 107.8 roadshow kept the crowds entertained throughout the afternoon and the free sports and bouncy castle were popular for those waiting for their swimming slot to be called or those who just fancied staying dry.
In addition to the free swimming and sports, local residents came along to discover more about the gym and the FeelGood Factory toning suite with its accessible power-assisted exercise machines that help those with health and mobility conditions to lead an active lifestyle for bettering their health and also opening up a new social circle to combat isolation.
Your Leisure would like to extend its thanks to the Mayor and Mayoress or Margate, all the team at Hartsdown Leisure Centre, our wonderful competition finalists, Sports Foundation members, The Bike Shed Kent, Academy FM and everyone who came along for making the Hartsdown 50th Anniversary celebrations a fantastic day for all to enjoy.
Hartsdown Leisure Centre is open to members and non-members. You can book activities from swimming, to group exercise classes, badminton, gym and more at www.yourleisure.uk.com
Hartsdown Leisure Centre also runs Swimming Lessons and Gymnastics courses. Information on these can be found online at www.yourleisure.uk.com
The Your Leisure Sports Foundation is a dedicated programme that recognises and fosters sporting talent by offering discounted access to our facilities. Our Talent Programme is a comprehensive initiative, open to all athletes, including those with disabilities, who meet our defined criteria. Learn more online at www.yourleisure.uk.com