Wincanton Sports Centre is NOT CLOSING nor WILL it be closing!

Wincanton Sports Centre management, staff and trustees would like to respond to Mr Rogers' quite ferocious attack on Wincanton Sports Centre.

The trustees, management and staff wish to allay all our customers' fears that the recent minor changes to the pool and fitness suite opening hours and small price rises will in any way impact on the service currently provided and nor will it see the demise of this very successful Community Sports Centre.

It is very important that (and particularly in this current economic climate) any business is well managed and financially aware of all aspects of its operational costs. To correct Mr Rogers' comment, when an error was discovered within the budget, there was not a knee jerk reaction but a planned approach to identify savings on expenditure and opportunities to increase income by reviewing budget lines. The Charity Commissions' rules and regulations are extremely strict and the implication made by Mr Rogers that the Centre's affairs are not properly regulated could not be further from the truth.

This summer we introduced very popular new activities such as tag rugby, mini martial's arts, drama and dance workshops, mini water polo and snorkelling to our extensive holiday activities programme. We have also recently introduced new parent and baby, parent and toddler and adult swimming lessons to our extensive Learn to Swim programme. Our summer membership promotion introduced nearly 200 new people to the Centre. This shows that with continuous reviewing, monitoring and marketing the Centre continues to grow and thrive.

The somewhat personal admonishment of past and current trustees by Mr Rogers is without foundation. All but one of our trustees (currently Cllr. Nick Colbert as appointed by the local authority) is voluntary and independently appointed from the local community. They all bring unique and valuable skills, experience and business acumen with some trustees having served many years and others recently joining the board. All trustees are dedicated and focused on ensuring the smooth and continued operation of the Sports Centre.

Staffing levels have not been cut and the trustees, management and staff give their assurance that we are fully committed to ensuring that the current level of customer service is maintained and where possible we will continue to improve.

Finally, it is with sadness that Mr Rogers has felt the need to attack the management of his local facility in such a public way rather than discussing his concerns directly with the General Manager. Particularly as he receives free swimming membership which was agreed by a previous manager, in exchange for some gardening duties.

Lisa Vyner
General Manager

Comments

Nick Colbert
Posts: 1

Wincanton Sports Centre
Reply #1 on : Fri September 23, 2011, 10:06:06

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For my sins I have been appointed as the district council's representative on the board of trustees of Winacnton Sports Centre. What the centre needs is primarily what every business needs and that is volume, i.e. more customers.

For my part I recommend examining all expenditure to ensure all possible waste is cut out. However the principal answer to the centres success is a proactive marketing campaign to get all the overweight folks out there to join the swimwise or bodywise fitness regimes.

Like most public sports facuilities the centre is underused, too many of us say we want sports facilities and then don't use them.

Maybe we should take a leaf out of Gok Wans book and be made to stand naked in the middle of three strategically positioned mirrors. I suspect the shock and horror would fill the Centre to capacity in no time.

If you agree in principal but can't face the mirror punishment then please telephone the centre on 01963 824400 and ask to speak to Lisa Vyner who will be delighted make an appointment meet with you and recommend a regime at the Centre that will be suitable for you.

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