Following the success of our Leisure Team Member apprenticeships last year we are recruiting for a brand new group of apprentices to join us in 2023-24.
Completing a leisure apprenticeship is a fantastic opportunity for those seeking a career in the sport and leisure industry.
One of the things that makes our apprenticeships with BPL so great is that you’ll be earning a higher hourly rate than the apprenticeship minimum wage while you’re learning with the full support of our fun and friendly teams.
Our Leisure Team Member apprenticeships will provide you with a Royal Lifesaving Society National Pool lifeguard qualification, both Level 1 and 2 Swimming Teacher qualifications with Swim England and a Fitness Instructor Level 2 qualification that are certified and yours for the keeping.
All are completely free and included as part of the paid apprenticeship.
These apprenticeships offer pathways for growth within BPL with the potential to open up career routes into leisure management, fitness or teaching roles across 10 of our fantastic Your Space Sites.
Leisure Team Member apprenticeships are designed to prepare you with real time experience. You’ll benefit from on-the-job training, real world experience and learn skills that simply cannot be taught in a classroom.
As an employee, you’ll also get to enjoy all the benefits of working at BPL such as Calypso Cove Waterpark access and Free Your Space Multisite Gym membership.
Now that’s something to feel good about.
If you are interested in applying for a 2023-24 Leisure Team Member apprenticeship at BPL, then click here.
Hello and welcome to the latest edition of your BPL newsletter, where we share our news, events and highlights from across the organisation.
It’s been a busy few months at BPL, and we’ve enjoyed getting out and about to lots of events in our communities, as well as taking part in some great charity fundraisers to raise money for some fantastic local causes.
This issue, we also have news of some exciting events to keep the kids entertained over the holidays and how you can get involved.
So read on to find out more!
BPL staff Nicky and Laurie recently enjoyed a trip to the Great Yorkshire Show.
They were there to support Barnsley Council and tell visitors to the event all about what the town has to offer.
Visitors could also enter a free draw to win a weekend in Barnsley and prizes, including swimming and bowling at the Metrodome.
Our fitness instructor Claudia Vickers enjoyed warming up the crowd at the Race for Life in Clumber Park.
A great time was had by all at an event which we’re always pleased to support.
A big thank you to everyone who took part and donated to the Metrodome’s summer fundraiser.
We kept the spinning bike going for 12 hours and raised £700 for Barnsley Hospice!
Well done to the brave team from Your Space Worksop, who have recently completed a charity skydive.
They raised a fantastic £3,600 for Weston Park Cancer Charity.
It was great to welcome a group from Mansfield Town FC down to Kilton Forest Golf Club.
Representatives including players, staff, management and corporate sponsors enjoyed a golf day, which also raised £380 for Weston Park Cancer Charity.
Staff and members at Your Space Bircotes have been continuing their support of CRY by donating to a raffle and cake sale.
Good luck to Assistant Manager Owen who is also taking on the Great North Run again this year for the charity.
We’re delighted to have appointed Joni Millthorpe in her new role of Head of Operations.
Joni has worked for BPL for almost 20 years, starting as a sales advisor at Hoyland Leisure Centre.
She previously worked as Contract Manager across our Barnsley-based sites and in her new role, will be covering the full portfolio of BPL facilities across Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire.
She said: “BPL is a great place to work. It’s such a diverse organisation where no two days are the same.
“It’s a really exciting opportunity to do something different, and I’m looking forward to a new challenge.”
Congratulations Joni!
Well done to swimmers from the Your Swim Academy performance squads who achieved their best results at the 2023 East Midlands Regional Championships.
Competing under Bassetlaw Swim Squad, they achieved 29 swimmers at the regionals, 93 regional final swims or top 10s and 33 medals.
Congratulations to everyone who has participated in the BPL Community Health team’s Functional Gym Group four-week fitness certificate
The class is for adults with autism, and those taking part have enjoyed a range of activities including weight training, aerobic exercise, introduction to Tai Chi and yoga.
Looking for a fun day out for all the family during the summer holidays?
Come down and enjoy full-on family fun at Barnsley Metrodome.
Make a splash in our Calypso Cove themed waterpark, strike it lucky with some bowling fun in the Metrodome Bowling Alley and enjoy a bite to eat in our Rigby Cafe and Lounge.
With something on offer for all the family, we’re looking forward to welcoming you this summer!
Visit www.metrodome.org.uk to find out more!
We’re turning our gym and studio lights at Your Space Metrodome blue throughout July to celebrate the 75th birthday of our amazing NHS.
Did you know all NHS employees are also entitled to our corporate discount?
To find out more, speak to our front-of-house team.
Come along to the Rigby Suite at the Metrodome for some summer craft workshops on Monday 31st July, Thursday 3rd August, Monday 14th August and Thursday 17th August.
Sessions cost £3.50 per child and are suitable for ages 4 plus.
All children must be accompanied by an adult and no pre-booking is required.
Drop in anytime between 10.30am and 1.30pm to join in the crafting fun!
The summer season is the perfect time to work on feeling your best self. Maybe you’re preparing for a wedding, hitting up that must-see music festival, or simply looking to relax back in the warmth with some friends. But, whatever your summer goals may be, it’s time to gear up and get ready to work (and play).
To help you achieve your goals and kickstart your summer: join now and receive 3 FREE months* (Use Promo Code: 3FREE) of membership! Our wide range of facilities and services are designed to keep you feeling your best all summer long – and beyond.
3 Months Free – Use Promo Code: 3FREE
Sizzling member benefits
Free Personalised Programmes: All members will receive a FREE personalised training plan crafted by our dedicated team of fitness instructors.
We’ll work with you to understand your goals, preferences, exercises and techniques that work best for you. And if you’re ever looking for a change, come back to see us for a FREE program review.
Let’s take on those fitness aspirations together.
Price For Life Promise: Don’t break the bank- lock in your membership fee forever! It’s a no-brainer for your wallet! So get your membership price locked in for life, and rest easy knowing you’ll never pay a penny more.
Classes (Quite literally an A – Z): We have a huge variety of group exercise classes happening here at Your Space Pontefract, from Abs Blast to Zumba.
Dedicated App: Get access to the Your Space from minute one, book your classes in just a couple of clicks, analyse your body stats and join in our fun gym challenges, plus much more!
Refer a friend: Who doesn’t love a good workout with friends? And now, you can reap some serious rewards by referring your buddies.
Every time one of your pals signs up, you’ll snag a free month of membership – talk about a workout win! Oh, and one more thing, we’re giving away £500 of ‘Love to Shop’ vouchers through our prize draw at the end of October.
Well, here’s your chance! For every friend you refer using your membership number, you’ll enter into a prize draw with the chance of winning big. The draw won’t take place until October, so you have all summer long to spread the word. And remember, the more referrals you make, the greater your chances of winning. So start referring and get ready for a potential shopping spree of a lifetime!
Your friend can enter your membership number (membership number can be found on the back of your card) on the signup page or by giving your membership number when they sign up in club.
Terms & Conditions
Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer
£25 joining fee applies
Offer can be withdrawn at any time
Free months are 1, 3 and 6£25 joining fee applies
Your Space Pontefract ONLY
The future of a group which supports people living with Dementia and their carers has been secured after BPL took over the running of the sessions.
The memory group, which takes place every other Friday, was already well established and attended, with BPL providing Kilton Forest Golf Club as a venue to host the sessions.
But when the previous group facilitators said they could no longer continue, we are delighted to have stepped in to take over the running of the group and ensure local people didn’t miss out on this vital support service.
With input from attendees, a new name was chosen – The Kilton Feel Good Memory Group.
The remaining funds, plus donations from local organisations such as the Freemasons, have been put back into the running of the sessions.
Community Health and Wellbeing Manager at BPL Angela Dainty explained: “As a charitable trust, it’s so important for us to support our local communities, and if we hadn’t stepped in to take over the running of the group, these sessions would have stopped, which would have been a massive loss.
“It’s a welcoming group with a lovely atmosphere, and people really enjoy coming.
“It’s also an important support network for carers, and we help signpost to other local services, which may be useful for them.”
Angela also said there is potential in the future to put on more sessions, perhaps making the group a weekly event, but more volunteers would be needed to increase its frequency.
She added: “We rely on the support of our brilliant volunteers to run the group, and we’re always looking for more people who can spare some time to help.
“If you can and would like to know more about getting involved, we would love to hear from you.”
The Kilton Feel Good Memory Group takes place on alternate Fridays from 11am to 1:30pm at Kilton Forest Golf Club.
Sessions cost £6, which includes unlimited tea and coffee, a light lunch and entertainment.
Places must be booked in advance by contacting the team on 07957743053.
Anyone interested in volunteering opportunities can contact Angela at Angela.Dainty@bpl.org.uk
Exciting news – Your Space Pontefract is about to get a whole lot better!
From upgrades to the gym facilities to improvements in the group exercise studio, we’re committed to giving you the best gym experience possible.
On Thursday, 8th and Friday, 9th of June, we’ll be upgrading the gym lighting, group exercise studio floor, and branding décor throughout the facility.
Unfortunately, this means we’ll have to close during this time to complete the work safely, and we’ll reopen on Saturday, 10th June, with all new upgrades.
Before we close, we’ll also be upgrading the group exercise studio and studio cycling lighting with minimal disruption!
And the best part? Your feedback has led to these developments taking place, so we can’t wait to make it all happen for you!
But wait, there’s more! We’re almost ready to announce the final stages of our broader club developments, so stay tuned for even more exciting news.
At 16, I laced up my running shoes for the first time, thanks to my Dad’s encouragement. At first, I switched between running and walking, but eventually, I challenged myself to run without stopping – and it felt GREAT!
I kept my runs short and steady for years, always worried about pushing myself too hard. But in 2013, I signed up for a Worksop Half Marathon only seven months after having my second child. I was nervous but determined. And you know what? I finished in just over two hours.
From then on, I ran eight more half marathons over the next few years, always striving to beat my previous time. But it wasn’t until my ninth race when I ditched my watch and just ran for the love of it, that I finally hit that coveted sub-2hr mark. And let me tell you; it was the best feeling in the world!
2014 was the year I caught the marathon bug, and all I could think about was running the legendary London Marathon. I eagerly entered the ballot each year since then, but Lady Luck never seemed to be on my side…until 2022, when I received an email that I thought was too good to be true! I couldn’t believe it; my place for the 2023 Marathon was confirmed! This was exactly the boost I needed to regain my lost running mojo!
I’m thrilled to share that my amazing friends Katie and Heather, whom I met through a teaching group exercise at Your Space Worksop, will join me in the London Marathon! It’s been over a year since they started their running journey, and their determination and hard work have paid off, as they’re now running for a wonderful cause – Save The Children Charity.
They set an ambitious goal of raising £2200, but with some clever planning and a lot of heart, they’ve already surpassed it by organising bake sales and fitness events.
One of those events was a super fun ‘Classathon’ at Your Space Worksop, where we sweated it out for two hours with Les Mills BodyPump, BodyAttack and BodyCombat, and the turnout was incredible!
It’s so inspiring to have such dedicated friends who encourage and support each other on this journey.
It’s almost time for the London Marathon! We’ve been preparing for 16 weeks, and I have to say, it’s been an incredible journey.
Running while also teaching 12 classes a week hasn’t been a breeze, but it’s been worth it. And the best part? I know I’ll want to do it all over again once it’s finished!
So keep your fingers crossed for us!
If you want to support Sam’s friends, Katie and Heather, you can donate here.
It’s time to ‘get behind em’ and raise awareness about men’s mental health and suicide prevention!
Two of our very own (Tom Watson & Arron Everard) are taking part in a charity skydive to push the important message that it’s ok for anyone who needs to talk. This is an incredible opportunity to bring attention to this issue and support a great charity called Andy’s Man Club.
With suicide rates increasing yearly, this fantastic fundraiser will not only represent their own courage but also inspire others and highlight the importance of speaking out when needed — spreading awareness of mental health.
Arron explained, “I am doing this skydive for Andy’s man club because it’s a charity very close to my heart after having two of my friends in 2022 sadly taking their own lives and having mental health problems in my own life. The 13th of May is a date that means a lot to me personally, so this year it’s about getting awareness out there that men can talk”.
Tom added, “I’m proud to announce I will be doing the charity skydive to push an important message to anyone that needs to talk.
“I’m pleased to join Arron Everard, one of my fellow Barnsley Premier Leisure work colleagues, in this fantastic opportunity to raise awareness”.
Help us give a voice to men’s mental health by donating now!
‘Get behind em’ and show your support by donating at: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/itstimetospeakout
If you want to speak out, hit the link below to find your nearest Andy’s Man Club: www.andysmanclub.co.uk/find-your-nearest-group
From starting in the spotlight as a children’s TV presenter to heading behind the scenes to help people transform their lives through fitness, Anne Nixon has dipped her toes into various sectors and jobs before ultimately finding her passion for wellbeing and fitness. Today, she’s obtained a range of qualifications through Study Active, one of Active IQ’s largest training providers. As a highly decorated fitness professional, Anne is far from finished, as she is constantly looking to expand her knowledge through additional qualifications that allow her to help people who may be struggling.
From children’s TV presenter to wellbeing expert
Before exploring the world of fitness, Anne started her career as a children’s TV presenter, allowing her to bring her effervescent and charismatic personality to screens across the UK. Stepping down from the limelight, Anne transitioned to a career in Broadcast Journalism, working for Al Gore via the BBC and assisting in setting up a production company based in London.
“While I was working as a Broadcast Journalist, I was made redundant. After that, I did a variety of acting, casting and voiceover roles, but eventually, I got fed up with auditioning and not getting anywhere, so I cut ties with the entertainment industry to pursue something new.”
Deciding to reinvent herself completely, Anne changed careers completely and became a veterinary nurse. While it was an amazing opportunity, Anne started to struggle with her mental health.
“Working in veterinary, I struggled with anxiety and depression and I knew it wasn’t a healthy environment for me at the time. When I found out I was pregnant, it really changed my perspective on health and wellbeing as I needed to be more focused on myself and my baby.”
Prioritising her mental health, Anne once again shifted career paths and started a job working on the railway, which she found was a far healthier environment for her and her mental health. Working there for a few years, Anne rose through the ranks until she became pregnant with her second child. She decided to start a new job that was less time-consuming.
“I started selling trainers in a DW Sports shoe shop which got me talking to people in the fitness industry. Members from the gym below the shop used to come up and talk to me about the kit. Eventually, I got a transfer to work in the gym and start my PT course. That same day, the business went into administration!”
The start of a flourishing fitness career
After lockdown hit the UK, Anne was browsing for receptionist jobs. She applied for one at Barnsley Premier Leisure (BPL) but was offered an interview for a fitness instructor role.
“I wasn’t even qualified! BPL were amazing and told me to still come down for the interview for experience. I was offered a job pending qualification, so that’s when I got in touch with James at Study Active to get qualified!”
Anne completed her Level 3 GP Referral Qualification and became inspired to complete her Level 3 Supporting Pre and Post Natal in Exercise and Nutrition through Study Active. These courses were just the beginning of the catalogue of qualifications Anne would end up obtaining.
“I see people, and I want them to be the best person they can be – both inside and out! If I see anyone struggling, I latch onto it and want to help.”
Anne is particularly passionate about exercise for adults with autism.
“Unfortunately, the services the industry provides for disability support often fail to accommodate for the people in between: adults with autism who would feel uncomfortable attending a class for adults with complex needs or those who might be overwhelmed in a mainstream gym.”
“It was my idea to create a functional workout space to help adults with autism, and it has worked amazingly well. You wouldn’t give a client with hypertension any overhead exercises, the same way you wouldn’t expect an adult with autism to work out in a gym with loud music.”
“Every qualification I strive to get is to help people feel more comfortable. I feel like people feel confident coming to me to train because of the qualifications I have – they automatically relax because they know I understand. My life mission is to give everyone the same opportunity to be healthy.”
Anne has also spoken about how she keeps her work off social media, opting to focus her goals on helping people through fitness rather than publicising her work.
“I’m not anti-social media, but everything I do, I strive to do off social media – I don’t ever want to be in a position where this career is about self-promotion or my social status. All I want to do is give everyone the tools they need to be the healthiest they can be, and if I can help to take pressure off the NHS and contribute to people needing fewer operations, then that’s my goal.”
The state of the fitness industry and advice for people looking to train
Having studied a plethora of courses in just two years and expanding how she is able to help people, Anne has admitted that the academic part of the industry can be a real challenge, but that shouldn’t put anyone off.
“We need to be better at celebrating failure – I failed courses several times and just kept redoing them until I achieved the results I wanted. The reality of helping people is hard work.”
For people who want to train as a PT or fitness professional, Anne reminds them that not everything has to be achieved overnight and that pacing yourself is important.
“I might have ten ideas in one week and feel burnt out trying to do everything at once.”
Her biggest piece of advice for anyone embarking on their journey to becoming a health and fitness professional is to practice what you preach.
“No one gains anything from me telling them to be fit and healthy if I don’t look after myself too – people are able to relate to you.”
“It’s not just about looking good – these qualifications allow people to come together and work towards a better wellbeing and quality of life.”
Anne is passionate about making fitness accessible to everyone. Talking about modern society, Anne believes the world has overcomplicated health and fitness with fad diets and marketing campaigns that can sometimes cause more harm than good.
“The professionals promoting fad diets do not see the mental health effects they have on people – I see a lot of people with eating disorders as a result of these diets.”
“I want to make fitness accessible to everyone – whether it’s in the park, gym or at home, I want to give everyone the equal opportunity to be fit and well.”
Currently working for BPL, Anne credits her ability to take on many qualifications to their shared enthusiasm and passion.
“Working for a company that encourages your passion is amazing – everyone always says the grass is greener, but sometimes you need to water your own grass!”
The courses provided by Study Active have pushed Anne to explore fitness for groups who otherwise may not have access to safe forms of physical activity. “Without James Luscombe and the Study Active team, I would be lost,” she said. “It has been so comforting to have a mentor at Study Active.”
“Anne Nixon is an inspirational fitness figure who has so much positivity and skill to offer the sector,” said James Luscombe, Managing Director at Study Active.
“Anne arrived with passion and determination to turn her keen interest in fitness into a career – it was obvious that she had her own very positive fitness journey and that she now wanted to give back to the sector and help others have similar journeys. Anne has completed multiple courses with Study Active, with each one adding an extra layer of expertise to her impressive resume. The area that Anne has most excelled in is certainly the GP Referral side of things. Anne loves helping people, and it’s clear to see her passion for helping those with common medical conditions. Study Active is thrilled to be supporting Anne with her journey through the courses and support that we offer – we all have absolutely no doubt that Anne will go from strength to strength and will truly blossom with her career in the fitness industry.”
Looking forward, Anne has no plans to slow down. Not only has she become an Active IQ-approved assessor, but she also continues to expand her knowledge even further by undertaking more qualifications in the future.
Welcome to the latest edition of your BPL newsletter!
It’s been a busy start to 2023, and we’re excited to share with you the latest news and projects staff and members have been getting involved with across our sites.
From community outreach to raising money for charity, there has been lots going on.
We’re also planning some special events to help you celebrate Mother’s Day and Easter.
So read on to find out all the details!
Your Space Pontefract has further strengthened its partnership with New College Pontefract by becoming a proud sponsor of its women’s rugby team.
Facility manager Beth Davies met with their captain, coach, staff from the college and the team’s training provider to celebrate the sponsorship.
We’re wishing the players the very best of luck for the season!
Over the next few weeks, our aquatics staff will be out and about visiting local schools as part of the Swim Safe campaign.
The initiative educates pupils about water safety, and last year, the team visited over 10,000 pupils to deliver a talk.
BPL’s Community Health team has been supporting local people with a chair-based exercise class.
Taking place at the Recreation Room in Beckingham on Mondays between 2:45pm and 3:30pm, this class is an ideal way of introducing people to exercise and can help with improving balance, coordination and strength.
A big thank you to the local freemasons group who donated a cheque for £250 to the Kilton Feel Good Memory Group.
The group meets every two weeks at Kilton Forest Golf Club and is supported by BPL.
There’s some serious monkey business going on at Your Space Hoyland on Friday, 17th March!
If you’re popping in for a workout, watch out for Hench the Gorilla in and around the centre, who will be joining in the fun and collecting donations for Comic Relief!
If you can’t make it down to the club on that day, you can still get involved by donating online at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/rednoseday23-your-space-bpl
Staff at Your Space Mansfield were delighted to welcome local MP Ben Bradley for a tour of the club.
During his visit, the team also spoke to him about investments already made into the facility and future plans.
Our Head of Performance Swimming, Michael Glossop was recently part of a team who travelled to Dubai with Swim England to support swimmers competing in the Middle East Open and Junior Championships.
A total of 12 coaches were part of a 27 strong workforce that made the trip, alongside Swim England’s Coach Development Officer Jo John.
They supported a group of 75 swimmers throughout the week – each coach working with six or seven swimmers – taking part in three days of training before a further three days of competition.
Working with the weight management clinic at Barnsley Hospital’s paediatric department, a group of teens aged 12-15 were referred to the free six week pilot programme.
BPL’s Community Health team has launched a new Healthy Teens Programme.
Throughout this time, they have attended classes which include exercise sessions and nutrition support from BPL’s Healthy Lifestyle Advisors, with parents and guardians also encouraged to take part.
Once they have completed the six weeks, they will be presented with an award and offered a month’s free junior gym membership to hopefully encourage them to carry on their healthy lifestyle journey.
Well done to New College students Ben and Noah, who have enjoyed a work placement at Your Space Pontefract, where they got the chance to put their sports course into action.
The club will be continuing to support students with placements during the term, as part of its ongoing partnership with the college.
We’ve recently launched our new onboarding and induction procedure, ‘the start of a good thing.’
As part of this, staff champions have been recruited across BPL sites to run the induction process for new starters, which includes an interactive e-book, goodie box, starter uniform pack, name badge and a Passport to Success.
The Passport to Success aims to support both managers and new starters at BPL throughout the first 20 weeks of a new starter’s employment.
The induction programme offers new recruits regular catch-ups with a mentor whilst encouraging them to reflect on their development.
The initiative forms part of BPL’s new Employee Value Proposition, which was successfully launched last year.
Are you looking for something special to treat your loved ones on Mother’s Day?
Start off the weekend in style by joining us at the Rigby Cafe and Lounge at the Metrodome for a delicious high tea on Friday, 17th March. You could also add on one of our drinks packages to make it even more special!
We’re also taking bookings for our Mother’s Day Sunday lunch menu on 19th March.
To book for either event, email bookings@bpl.org.uk
We’re hosting some Easter crafty fun in the Rigby Cafe and Lounge on Tuesday 4th, and Thursday 6th April!
Drop in anytime from 10.30am to 1.30pm to join in the fun!
Suitable for children aged four plus, sessions cost £3.50 per child, and all children must be accompanied by an adult.
Join us for an evening with football and Hollywood favourite Vinnie Jones!
Taking place at the Metrodome on Friday 7th April, the event will include an on stage interview, audience Q&A, raffle, memorabilia auction and entertainment.
Meet and greet and photo opportunity upgrades are also available.
For more details or to book, visit www.metrodome.org.uk
We recently made a splash by turning our pool at the Metrodome Waterpark purple for some half-term family fun!
Our popular pool parties are legendary, so keep an eye on the website and Metrodome Waterpark Facebook page to make sure you don’t miss out on any upcoming events and Easter fun!
From live music to sports and special events, there’s something for everyone at the Barnsley Metrodome!
We can also host exhibitions and conferences, wedding receptions and corporate awards and celebrations in our dedicated event spaces.
Find out more or check out our upcoming events calendar at www.metrodome.org.uk
Michael Hirst has been appointed as BPL’s new Chief Executive.
Since joining BPL in 2004 as a Marketing Manager, Michael has seen the trust go from strength to strength, now operating 10 health and fitness facilities across Barnsley, Bassetlaw, Mansfield and Pontefract.
He said: “It’s an absolute honour to be awarded this position and lead such a talented group of people.
“It’s been such a proud year for BPL. Winning the Marketing Campaign Award at the UK Active Awards and then two National Fitness Awards for Best Membership Campaign and Local Authority/Leisure Trust Gym of the Year for our Your Space Mansfield site was fantastic.
“Community leisure charitable trusts are so important, as we’re not for profit and play such a valuable part in improving our local communities’ well-being, health and fitness.
“Our centres are so fun, friendly and welcoming, and when people come to us, we know we can improve their lives.
“I’m very much looking forward to us building on the great work we’re already doing in our centres, forging stronger relationships with our key partners, and reaching out and helping even more local people.
That’s why BPL is a force for good.”
