Cowbridge Leisure Centre celebrates 21 years serving local community
A popular Vale of Glamorgan Council leisure centre is
celebrating its 21st birthday.
The Cowbridge centre opened its doors to the public in
September, 1986, after a two-year building programme, and was
officially opened by then Vale mayor Cllr John Flanigan in April of
the following year. A gift from contractors to mark the start of
work, a handsome commemorative spade, is dispalyed in the reception
area and is testimony to the centre's longevity.
A health suite, conference room and gym have been added to the
Bear Field building over the years.
The "key of the door" celebrations coincided with the 10th
anniversary of LifeStyle Health and Fitness activities at the
popular gym, and the occasion brought back many happy memories for
two members of staff who continue to work for the council. Current
Vale leisure services manager Jamie Morgans was, at 23, the first
manager at Cowbridge, and receptionist Kim Morgan still offers a
warm welcome to customers.
Kim loves the camaraderie and "family feel" of the centre which
will always have a place in her heart as it was in the bar that her
husband proposed. Happily married for the last 17 years, the couple
have a son.
The centre, which is used by the local comprehensive school,
remains very popular and it's estimated that that at least 7,000
customers come through the doors every month. And they enjoy a
range of family pursuits such as racquet sports, soft play sessions
and fitness classes. The centre is "home" to a number of local
organisations such as the tae kwon do club run by Brian
Jones - part of the centre since it opened. Activities include
roller skating, basketball, trampolining and school holiday
programmes. The centre even has an indoor marquee for hire.
It has also hosted special national events such as a concert by
local band "The Automatic" (Radio 1 Wales) and a Welsh version of
"Question Time" (S4C), antique fayres, concerts by the Cowbridge
Male Voice Choir and the RAF St Athan Voluntary Band, and played a
part in the annual Cowbridge Food and Drink Festival.
The centre opens weekdays (7am-10pm), Saturdays (9am-6pm) and
Sundays (9am-8pm), and current assistant manager Simon Jones said:
“Whether people of all ages and abilities want to have fun, meet
new friends or improve their health, we have a hardworking team
ready to help and a range of activities and clubs."
Cabinet member for tourism and leisure Cllr Gwyn John said: “The
professional team at Cowbridge has always been ready to serve the
community and this year I have attended events that have
highlighted some excellent charity work and staff/customer success
stories.
"I think locals should feel privileged that Cowbridge has such a
good leisure centre at the heart of the town. A happy birthday to
all involved."
For more information, telephone (01446) 775533 or visit
www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk/leisurecentres.
Caption: Watched by staff and customers, Vale
leisure services manager Jamie Morgans cuts a special cake to mark
the 21st birthday of Cowbridge Leisure Centre.