Active Nation

£100,000 Revamp Gets Under Way At The Quays!

2016-01-28T14:08:55Z

Work is about to begin on the £100,000 revamp of the changing areas at The Quays Swimming and Diving complex.

Following all of the brilliant feedback from supporters we are really excited to start the transformation that will bring them the improved changing facilities they have asked for.

The refurbishment will start next week and will see the venue’s changing rooms fitted with new showers, tiles, more cubicles in the family change, new bench seating and new sinks, taps and vanity units. New doors will also revamp the main entrance.

We apologise as there will be some disruption in these areas, however, we will be phasing the works to keep any inconvenience to a minimum – ensuring there are always alternative changing areas to use.

During this time our pools, studios and gym will run as normal – meaning that you won’t have to miss any of your favourite workouts, classes, swims or activities.

Information will be displayed and available from reception about what areas are closed each day and what alternative areas to use. So please just ask if you are unsure.

We really do appreciate your ongoing support and co-operation and promise the end result really will be worth it.

Coinciding with the launch of the refurbishment, we will be installing new lockers – starting in the male changing room, followed by the female and then the families.

These will have a new padlock security mechanism. Padlocks will be available to buy and borrow using a simply deposit and return system from reception. Supporters can also bring in their own – however we would recommend a combination padlock to save you the hassle of having to carry a key.

For more information please ask during your next visit, our team are really looking forward to the changes and would love to tell you all about them.

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It’s Time To Get Active For Free At Yarborough Leisure Centre And Wear It. Beat It. On Feb 5th

2016-01-26T16:03:44Z

Join us this February 5^th for the British Heat Foundation’s Wear it. Beat it. Day and help this brilliant charity fight for every heartbeat and raise money for life saving research.

Get ‘reddy’ to get active by signing up for one of our brilliant free classes and gym session on February 5^th. Everyone taking part is invited to show their support in the fight against heart disease by wearing red. Bring a friend and you could be in with a chance of winning a Polar heart rate belt to help you get the most out of your workout.

Whatever your age, being active now will make an immediate impact on your health and protect it in the future too. Physical activity can help reduce your risk of heart disease.

It can also help you control your weight, reduce blood pressure and cholesterol and improve your mental health – helping you to look and feel great. It really is as simple as that and on February 5^th classes and gym access will be FREE at Active Nation’s Yarborough Leisure Centre in Lincoln.

Heart and circulatory disease still kills around one in four people in the UK, stealing them away from their families and loved ones.

From babies born with life threatening heart problems, to the many mums, dads and grandparents who survive a heart attack and endure the daily battles of heart failure.

£25 could fund a young researcher for an hour. £100 could buy 100 plastic flasks for growing heart cells in, which researchers use to help mend broken hearts. £700 could fund a Heart Nurse working on the BHF Heart Helpline for a week, providing information and support to desperately anxious patients, carers and families. Every penny really can make a difference!

So please, do something brilliant today and invite some friends and family to join you for some free exercise at Yarborough Leisure Centre on February 5^th. Book online, in reception, or by calling 01522 304400. Collection tins will be located in our classes and reception area for anyone who would like to make a donation – all proceeds will be given to the British Heart Foundation’s Wear It. Beat It. campaign.

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Get ‘Reddy’ To Wear It. Beat It. On February 5th At Active Nation’s Woodmill!

2016-01-26T11:06:52Z

Join us on February 5^th for the British Heat Foundation’s Wear it. Beat it. Day and help this brilliant charity fight for every heartbeat and raise money for life saving research.

Get ‘reddy’ to get active by signing up for our brilliant Red Riverside Park Walk and coffee morning at Woodmill Outdoor Activity Centre in Swaythling, Southampton.

Enjoy a walk along the river – all ages, abilities, mums with pushchairs, toddlers, athletes and everyone in between will be welcome! Then relax afterwards with a lovely cup of tea or coffee and a slice of cake.

Whatever your age, being active now will make an immediate impact on your health and protect it in the future too.

Physical activity can help reduce your risk of heart disease. It can also help you control your weight, reduce blood pressure and cholesterol and improve your mental health – helping you to look and feel great. It really is as simple as that and the great news is that it can be good fun too.

Heart and circulatory disease still kills around one in four people in the UK, stealing them away from their families and loved ones.

From babies born with life threatening heart problems, to the many mums, dads and grandparents who survive a heart attack and endure the daily battles of heart failure.

So please, do something brilliant today and invite some friends and family to join you on our walk at Woodmill Outdoor Activity Centre on February 5^th11.30am. Book in reception or by calling 02380 915744.

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Olympic Swimmer Sophie Allen’s Return To Active Nation’s Yarborough Leisure Centre

2016-01-22T11:41:35Z

Olympic swimmer Sophie Allen has returned to the Active Nation venue where she used to train as a teenager – in a bid to inspire the next generation of young swimmers.

As part of our brilliant discovery weekend Sophie visited Yarborough Leisure Centre in Lincoln where she coached the team and young swimmers from across the city.

She said: “By the time I was 23 years old, I had the opportunity to travel the world – Japan, China, Singapore, Dubai, Doha, America and most of Europe. I never ever thought that swimming would give me that kind of an opportunity. Sport really can open so many doors – you just have to go out there and go for it!”

The 20 young swimmers also got the chance to handle Sophie’s European Championships bronze medal, her European Championships silver medal and her World Cup medal. She also spoke about learning to swim, her road to London 2012, meeting the Queen, making sacrifices and dealing with disappointment and injury during her career.

As a young swimmer Sophie was a member of the Lincoln Vulcans Swimming Club and used to train twice a week at Yarborough Leisure Centre.

She added: “It’s pretty cool to be back and to see that it is still really busy. I think events like the Active Nation Discovery Weekends are amazing.

“There has been a big thing about how participation in swimming nationally has been declining and events like these can only benefit everyone and the sport.

“It is so important to keep people swimming, not just for sport and exercise, but also because it is an important life skill that you can take with you anywhere. It enables you to have fun in the sea and pools when you are on holiday and it can also save lives. It is just so important.

“I think it is great that Active Nation is helping people to get into the pool and all these other activities too.”

Active Nation’s Donna Taylor said: “It was great to welcome Sophie back to Yarborough Leisure Centre. All of the young swimmers were brilliant and got so much out of the coaching session – and so did our swim team too!”

One parent said: “Thank you so much. This really was brilliant and something they will all remember for the rest of their lives!”

One swimmer who also attends Yarborough Leisure Centre’s Swim School added: “Sophie was amazing. I’m definitely going to keep up with my swimming and use all of the techniques she taught us.”

Our next Discovery Weekend will take place on April 9^th/10^th – watch this space for more info!

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Win A Place On Our Discovery Weekend Coaching Session With Olympian Sophie Allen!

2015-12-21T12:58:28Z

Do you know a young swimmer who would love some coaching from an Olympian? We are excited to announce that Team GB swimmer Sophie Allen is coming to our next brilliant Discovery Weekend at Yarborough Leisure Centre in Lincoln on January 9^th and 10^th.

Sophie has won medals in the European Junior Championships, British Championships, European Championships and has competed in the London 2012 Olympic Games, the Commonwealth Games and the World Championships.

We have got 20 places up for grabs on a brilliant coaching session running on January 10^th from 1pm-3pm. Where Sophie will pass on her knowledge, talk about her experiences of competing at the top and offer advice to each young swimmer who must be at Stage 6 or above.

To be in with a chance of winning this amazing opportunity we are asking people to design and draw a mascot for the swim school at Yarborough. Simply – share it on our Facebook page – please remember to tag Yarborough Leisure Centre and use #activenationuk. The entrants with the most likes at 12noon on January 6^th will win a place.

Sophie said: “These Discovery Weekends sound like a brilliant way to get everyone active and enjoying sport and exercise. I can’t wait to come down and coach the kids – helping and inspiring them is what I love most.”

In addition to Sophie’s coaching, there will also be lots of free exercise classes for all ages during the launch of our new timetable on Saturday – followed by our Les Mills Grit series launch on Sunday.

Active Nation’s Stuart Blackbourn said: “We’re all busy getting ready for our Discovery Weekend. There is something running for everyone. To have Sophie on board as part of the team is simply brilliant. What better way to inspire the next generation of young swimmers than to be coached by an Olympian.

“We hope to see as many people there as possible – bring your friends and family – it promises to be a great weekend.”

For more information simply ask at reception, give us a call on 01522 304400 or check out our Facebook page www.facebook.com/activenationlincoln – don’t forget to vote for your favourite mascot!

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Active Nation Joins Forces To Make A Special Delivery To Sick Children

2015-12-19T09:57:43Z

Dozens of toys from The Disney Store were delivered to Southampton General Hospital children’s ward by the Active Nation team – including mascots Captain Quays, Chambers the cat and Tickles the tiger.

This is the 3^rd year Active Nation have teamed up with In Kind Direct, an organisation set up to re-distribute goods from companies to charities.

The donation was made possible thanks to The Disney Store’s partnership with In Kind Direct for their annual Disney ‘From Our Family to Yours’ campaign, and was part of a total of 10,000 toys distributed by In Kind Direct to hundreds of charities in the UK, bringing Christmas joy to thousands of children.

The Active Nation team couldn’t wait to return to the children’s ward and help bring a bit of joy and smiles to the faces of 64 youngsters.

Active Nation’s Max Bradbury-Knight, who was happy to be part of the delivery team, said: “We are delighted to be part of this wonderful partnership. It was a huge privilege to be able to visit these brave and brilliant youngsters.

“It really reminds you in an instant about what really is important – not only at Christmas, but throughout the year.

“Thank you so much to The Disney Store and In Kind Direct for making this possible and for allowing us to be involved again this year. By working together over the years we have helped to brighten up Christmas for more than 200 poorly children.

“This has been such a humbling experience and something that will stay with all of us for a very long time.”

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See How You Can Give A Gift Of Basketball, Badminton Or Target Shooting Courses For Just £8!!!

2015-12-08T09:48:51Z

Do you know a young person who would love the chance to have a go at target shooting, basketball or badminton? Why not get them an 8 week course for just £8 this Christmas?

Following the success of our last Sportivate courses we are excited to announce that young people are being given another chance to have a go at target shooting, basketball or badminton at Active Nation’s Yarborough Leisure Centre thanks to National Lottery funding.

We have joined forces with the Lincolnshire Sport Partnership to secure funding for the brilliant Sportivate courses running at the venue from January.

Sportivate is a £56 million Lottery funded London 2012 legacy project that gives more young people the chance to discover a sport that they love.

11-25 year olds will be able to sign up paying £8 for each of the 8 week courses. All activities will be run by fully qualified instructors.

Active Nation’s Donna Taylor said: “We’ve had a great time helping dozens of young people to get active and try something new and we’re really looking forward to the launch of these new courses. Helping someone to find a sport they’ll love for years to come is a brilliant and special gift.”

Badminton will start on Wednesday 6^th January from 5pm-6pm, Target Shooting launches on Friday 8^th January from 6.30pm-7.30pm and Basketball runs on Saturday mornings from 8.30am-10.30am (start this weekend and you could enjoy 10 weeks for £10 or have a chat with the tem about starting in the New Year!) None of the sessions require any previous experience and promise to be great fun.

Spaces are limited so please email Donna.Taylor@activenation.org.uk or call 01522 873606 to book a space.

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Pick Up A Bargain In The First Active Nation Lincoln Charity Auction!

2015-11-23T15:43:37Z

We all love a bit of a bargain – especially in the run up to Christmas! As the nation gears up for Black Friday, we are giving you the chance to pick up some brilliant deals on the hire of our courts and pitches this weekend!

Active Nation is a charity on a mission to persuade the nation to be active. We want as many people to take part in sports and exercise on a regular basis as possible – which is why our equivalent to Black Friday is running this week.

Make your bid today and you could enjoy the use of our sports facilities this Saturday and Sunday at a bargain rate! Including:

Sports Hall – Bids will be accepted for individual badminton courts or for all 4, on a per hour basis. Or why not book out the whole area for a game of basketball? Available on Saturday from 6pm to 9pm and Sunday from 7pm to 10pm.

Outdoor All Weather Facility – Submissions can also be made for one of the three 5-a-side all weather pitches or for the whole area on a per hour basis. Why not get together and enjoy a fun game of football, netball or hockey? Available on Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 9pm.

Gymnasium – Make a bid and play basketball, table tennis, badminton or any other activity suitable in this area. Available on Saturday between 10am-1pm and 6pm-10pm. Also on Sunday between 2.30pm-10pm.

Bids can start for as little as 50 pence per hour!

So, if you are couple of friends wanting a game of badminton or table tennis, or a group who want to play netball, hockey, 5-a-side football, basketball or any other activity – why not put in a bid today? If you are a member of a local team or know one who might be interested please feel free to pass this on!

Bids must be received no later than 4pm on Thursday 26th November. The winners will be those bidding the highest amount for a facility per hour. Successful bidders will be notified by 7pm on Thursday 26th November.
So what are you waiting for? Get bidding – who knows you could pick up a bargain! Email: roger.michie@activenation.org.uk and include: Your Name, Email Address, Telephone Contact Number, Facilities required, Time facilities required and Bid amount.

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World Diabetes Day – Act Today To Change Tomorrow!

2015-11-11T21:09:45Z

Right now around 400million people around the world are living with Diabetes, a figure that is expected to soar to almost £600million by 2035. We all need to act now to stop the 5million annual deaths already caused by this disease from escalating further!

Research shows that healthy lifestyles can prevent up to 70% of Type 2 Diabetes. With 3.2million people in the UK living with the disease, by getting active and eating healthily we can have a huge impact and reduce the risk of Diabetes.

This is one of the many reasons why Active Nation has just launched Active Nutrition – a comprehensive service designed to help you eat right and get the very best out of your exercise routine. The advice, recipes and healthy eating programme on offer, works perfectly alongside our mission to persuade the nation to be active.

TV chef Jamie Oliver is backing this year’s International Diabetes Federation campaign. He said: ““Obesity more often than not leads to lifestyle related diseases like type 2 diabetes which can increase the risk of developing a number of serious health problems and decrease life expectancy.

“But obesity is preventable and I believe that by educating our children about food and where it comes from and how to cook it and how to shop, we can turn the tide on the obesity epidemic that affects most of the world in 2015.”

But eating healthily isn’t enough – we all need to get active and move more! Those living with diabetes are encouraged to exercise regularly for better blood sugar control and to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Frequent and regular exercise is recommended for everyone – all ages, shapes, sizes and fitness levels – as it boosts the immune system and helps protect against conditions such as heart disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes, cancer and other major illnesses.

In fact, exercise is known to cut your risk of major chronic illnesses by up to 50% and reduce your risk of early death by up to 30%. As we keep saying ‘if exercise was a pill we’d all be taking it!’

But who needs medicine when we can all have a brilliant time and go for a swim, join in a class, workout in a gym, play on a court or go for a ride – let’s all do something brilliant this Saturday and get moving for World Diabetes Day!

Give your nearest venue a call to see how you can get involved and visit www.activenation.org.uk/active-nutrition/ for more information about Active Nutrition.

For more information and advice about diabetes visit: www.idf.org/wdd-index/ or http://www.diabetes.co.uk/

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£100,000 Investment Coming To The Quays Swimming And Diving Complex!

2016-01-28T14:10:35Z

Have you heard about the brilliant £100,000 investment that is on its way to Active Nation’s The Quays Swimming and Diving Complex in Southampton?

The money will be used to transform the venue’s changing rooms with new showers, tiles, more cubicles in the family change, new bench seating, new locker mechanisms and new sinks, taps and vanity units. New doors will also revamp the main entrance area.

Active Nation’s Southampton Business Manager Matt Wale said: “We are all so proud of The Quays’ reputation as one of the country’s top pools and it’s important that as a charity we invest in its continued improvement.

“In recent years we have focussed a lot of our resources on the pool area and transforming our action packed gym with all its top of the range kit. Following the success of these works we can now concentrate on the areas our supporters have said they would like to see improved.

“We would like to thank everyone who has taken the time to pass on their feedback, we have listened and are pleased and excited that we are about to give them the changing rooms they have asked for and deserve.”

Works on the venue, which is managed by the charity on behalf of Southampton City Council, are likely to start in the New Year. We will keep everyone informed via email, at reception, on our website and Facebook page.

Any disruption will be kept to a minimum as we will be scheduling the works one changing room at a time – enabling us to keep all pools, classes and activities running throughout the transformation.

Matt added: “This investment by Active Nation has only been possible thanks to our brilliant supporters, so thank you to everyone.”

For more information please feel free to talk to the team during your next visit to The Quays – we’d love to tell you all about it!

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