Malvern Splash has today celebrated 20 years of providing the local community with a leisure facility. The occasion was marked by Chairman of Malvern Hills District Council, Reg Farmer, visiting the site and chatting to some of the customers who have been members at the centre for many years.
Councillor Farmer commented, “This Council has enjoyed a long and successful partnership with SLM, who manage the facility and it rewards me to see and hear the success of the facility from when Clifford Barnett managed the Splash back in 1989. I am extremely pleased to see how the facility has developed over the past 20 years and I hope the local community continue to make use of such a great facility for the next 20 years”.
Mark Hammond, Leisure Services Manager for Malvern Hills District Council said he is pleased that this 20th year has seen a number of changes and developments. “including the introduction of free swimming for the over 60's and the development of new walking and cycling activities as part of the Everyone Active initiative. In addition over £100,000 will have been spent on facility improvements this year, including a new wave machine, refurbished flume and a draft lobby".
Contracts Manager, Neal Lewis, was originally employed back in 1989 by Clifford Barnett. “Over the past 20 years The Splash has undergone a number of changes but has always been central to the local community in providing a range of affordable leisure activities for all the family and now with Everyone Active at Malvern Splash we can continue to encourage 30 minutes of activity five times a week thus leading to a healthier and fun life-style for all of the family”.
There were a number of members at the celebration who also gave their thoughts on the importance of Malvern Splash to the local community.
Christine Todd – “I have been swimming most morning for the last 19 years. I am welcomed every morning through rain and shine and I regularly meet my friends and have a social time as well as keeping fit. The SLM staff are always friendly and there is a nice atmosphere”.
Bruce Rutter Parr – “I have been swimming here since day one and have come every evening except when I’m on holiday. The staff are always friendly and provide an excellent service, long may it continue”.
Mel Clarke, British Archery Para Olympian – “I have been training at the Splash for the last two years prior to the Beijing Olympics. I have found the facility great and the staff are always there to help and advise me on my goals”.
Tracey Mosely, British Down Hill Mountain Bike World Champion – “When I am back in the area I often use the Fitness Suite and the Personnel Trainers (Brian Phillpotts) and find the service of a very high standard. It helps to be welcomed and remembered as I am not always in Malvern due to my competitions all over the world however when I am back The Malvern Splash provides an excellent all round package for me to continue my training”.
Ann Louise Timmermans – “Myself and my family have been using the facilities for the last 14 years and my three children grew up here all having swimming lessons and are now fully water confident. I regularly swim and take part in the group exercise classes and have used the crèche facility as well. It’s a great facility providing a welcoming service”.
Julie Thomas – “I have been using the Fitness Suite at the Splash for many years and always get greeted with a smile. The service is second to none and I know when my children grew up they always enjoyed swimming as well. When my older child had damaged their ankle the fitness team helped my son recuperate within no time at all and their help was extremely valued”.
John McWhirter - "I have been a Splash passport holder ever since the facility first opened. My daily routine includes a 30 minute swim most mornings before work. For a regular swimmer, the annual passport is extremely good value and the Splash is a great place to make friends. We are lucky to have such a good pool in Malvern. It's amazing how many different activities are catered for, from laned swimming sessions, to mothers and toddlers, swimming lessons, "wet and wild", children's parties, and even lifeguard training. There are regular challenges on offer in case anyone gets bored. "
Over the last six months The Malvern Splash has undergone a number of improvements from capital investments made this year by Malvern Hills District Council and Sports and Leisure Management Ltd. These included;
· New Wave Machine Boxes – which enhance the quality and strength of the waves during our Family Fun Sessions
· Re-Surfacing of the Flume and New Pump – to increase the life span of this water feature which is so popular with customers of all ages
· New Sand Filters – to enhance the quality of water treatment and micro biological testing
· Swimming Pool Re-Grout – to enhance the swimming experience for all of our customers
· Installation of a Draft Lobby – to help eliminate concerns over the temperature of the pool hall and changing rooms