BPL Autumn Newsletter

Welcome to the latest issue of the BPL newsletter!

There has been a lot going on across the organisation – from charity fundraising events to swimming successes and a national award win – which we’re excited to share more about.

Spooky season is also in full swing, and we have plenty of fun happening in our venues to keep all the family entertained during half-term.

And it’s never too early to be thinking about Christmas! 

Whether you’re in charge of planning a Christmas party, a New Year’s Eve outing or fancy trying out a festive afternoon tea, we’ve got you covered.

Read on to find out more…

Success Stories:

Our BPL Healthy Lifestyle Advisors enjoyed attending a disability engagement event in Barnsley recently, where they put on a fitness class for adults with learning disabilities and their carers.

They were also joined by Community Sports Development Officer Connor Pickles, who promoted the Wheels for All group, which is held at Dorothy Hyman Sports Centre.

We were thrilled to pick up an award at the recent Employer Brand Management Awards, beating off strong competition from the likes of the BBC, Natwest and Total Fitness.

Our entry – in partnership with brand design consultancy WPA Pinfold – won Gold in the Best Alignment of the Employer Value Proposition with Corporate Brand Values category.

Head of Marketing and Branding at BPL Rachel Rinkcavage said: “We’re delighted to win this award, particularly being up against such a strong group of finalists in this category.”

After winning this award last year, we’re once again shortlisted in the Marketing Campaign category at the 2023 ukactive Awards.

BPL has been named as a finalist in recognition of our successful What’s Your Space? Campaign – a digitally focused membership campaign designed to attract new members to our Your Space fitness sites.

There’s not long to go until we find out if we’re winners!

The awards ceremony takes place on 26th October at the New Dock Royal Armouries in Leeds.

Barnsley Performance Squads had two swimmers attend the Swim England National Summer Meet in August.

Cody Ingram held his place on rankings for a second year running in the 200m butterfly, while alum swimmer Daniel Menzer secured 5th place in the 1500m freestyle.

The squad goes into the start of the new season with more Yorkshire Winter Championship qualifiers than in 2022, with 39 qualifiers and counting.

For Bassetlaw, Rachel Webb competed in four events – setting three season’s best times – Jennifer Walker bagged a gold and a silver in the girls’ 15 years 800m and 1500m freestyle, Samuel Walker debuted at this level, finishing just outside the top 10, and Layne Keyworth contested the finals in all four of his events.

BPL has successfully collaborated with Funetics to help local children participate in Funetics sessions, enabling young adults to start their coaching and leadership journeys.

The partnership has been designed to introduce kids to athletics in a fun and engaging way, as well as create coaching and development opportunities locally.

You can read more about its success here – https://funetics.co.uk/news/working-with-partners-to-provide-opportunities-for-all-in-the-local-community/

Charity Events:

A big thank you to everyone who joined in the fun for National Fitness Day!

140 members participated in the 500 Moves challenge on My Wellness, and we also managed to raise a fantastic £178.88 for Weston Park Cancer Charity.

Well done to Owen Nicks – Assistant Manager at Your Space Bircotes – who completed the Great North Run in a very hot 1 hour and 48 minutes.

He was raising money for CRY and smashed his £500 target!

BPL swimming teacher Rob Blackburn raised a brilliant £1331 for Barnsley Hospital’s neonatal unit by swimming Lake Windermere.

Rob has been fundraising since 2013 and since then has raised over £11,700 – with plans to hit the £12,000 mark next year.

Well done, Rob!

A cake sale at Your Space Bircotes raised £364 for Weston Park Cancer Charity. 

Thank you to everyone who bought cakes and donated!

We were once again proud to support Macmillan Coffee Morning across BPL.

Sites taking part included Your Space Pontefract, who also held a charity raffle for a chance to win a hamper and a month’s free membership.

What’s On?

Looking for something to do during October half-term? Get ready for a spooktacular family day out at the Barnsley Metrodome! 

Come along and join in the fun at one of our epic pool parties taking place on Tuesday, 31st October, between 10am and 12pm.

We’ll also be adding some extra magic with the Spooky Trolls characters joining in the party!

Book now at www.barnsleymetrodome.com/waterpark/

Join us for our Spooky Sunday on 29th October at Metrodome Bowling!

Our Halloween experience includes 1.5 hours of bowling, 2 pizzas, face painting from 2pm, candy and cordial drinks- all for only £40 per lane!

To book, email us at metrobowls@bpl.org.uk or call 01226 730060.

It’s never too early to start thinking about Christmas! 

We’ve got some fantastic events taking place throughout December in our Rigby Cafe and Lounge.

From festive party nights to afternoon tea, we’re now taking bookings for all events.

Email bookings@bpl.org.uk to reserve your space!

Ring in 2024 at our spectacular New Year’s Eve celebration, which promises to be bigger and better than ever before!

Early birds can get their tickets for just £12.50 per person until 17th November, while standard tickets are priced at £15 per person.

Don’t miss out on this unforgettable night! Book now at www.barnsleymetrodome.com