Blue pool gym reopens after refurbishment

SINCE the announcement of Christie Miller’s closing, the team at Places Leisure say they have been busy making sure the community of Melksham can remain active with the refurbishment of the gym at Melksham Blue Pool and a new class timetable, at the Assembly Hall in Melksham. 

The gym at the Blue Pool was officially re-opened to the public at the weekend by local legend, Alfie Sparks, who worked at the centre from 1961 to 1986, and para-badminton player Dan Bethall, who is the current European champion in men’s singles and used to train at Christie Miller. 

Places for People say, “The gym was re-opened on Saturday 20th October and for those Christie Miller members who like to get their training in early on a weekend, it now opens at 8am on Sundays.  The refurbished gym features new CV and resistance machines, a new area designed for functional training, along with new floors.  Many members will already know Paulina Gorska who’s transferred from Christie Miller to oversee the gym and personal training.   

“If you’ve not tried out the facilities at Melksham Blue Pool, we offer new customers a free 5 day pass, which allows you to try the pool, gym and as many classes as you can fit into 5 days.  The new classes take place right next door to Melksham Blue Pool at the Assembly Hall.

“To find out more or to get booked on, pop into Melksham Blue Pool and get your membership sorted.  Memberships range from a free, pay as you go, to great money saving packages for those who like to pay by direct debit or one-off annual payments. 

“Unlimited swim, gym and classes costs just £37 a month for adults, and swim only is £24 – we’ve also dumped the joining fee, so there’s no hidden costs when you sign up. Premium members are also welcome to use the facilities at nine other Places Leisure centres in Chippenham, Trowbridge, Warminster, Westbury, Wootton Basset, Bradford on Avon and Malmesbury.  

 “Being a member brings loads of other benefits, including free use of our Places Locker fitness app – which allows you to track all of your activity – whether that’s working out in the gym, walking to work or filling up the car with your weekly shop – it all counts.  Members can easily track their swims with our free SWIMTAG – Just wear it in the pool to track your swimming session.  Members can also book classes online, great for those on the go.  Gym members also get a free personal training plan, designed around personal goals and fitness objectives.   

 “To find out more, or arrange a tour, please call 01225 703525 or pop into the centre today, we’re just off the Market Place,  next to the Assembly Hall.”

Above: Duty manager Abi Demp-sey, para-badminton player Dan Bethall, Alfie Sparks, general manager Sarah Harryman, area membership manager Rob Clark and Blue Pool mascot Pooch.