Category Archives: District leisure news
Active Lichfield’s Walking Football team is celebrating after winning the national championships.
The Burntwood Strollers competed in the 2023 Over 65 Walking Football National Cup Finals on Sunday, 17 September, following a series of matches which culminated in victory over Winstanley at the David Ross Sports Centre in Nottingham.
The team was among 73 involved in the National Cup event and one of just eight regional winners to reach the final. After playing teams from across the country the ‘Strollers’ are delighted with their win.
Walking Football is an inclusive and recreational activity for people of all ages and abilities. The rules are the same as regular football except that it is played at a walking pace and can help bring older players, and people with mobility injuries, back to a sport they once enjoyed.
The Burntwood Strollers evolved from walking football sessions on Tuesdays and Fridays at Burntwood Leisure Centre.
Tasmin Turner, Health and Wellbeing Manager at Lichfield District Council, said: “The Burntwood Strollers success in the national finals is an outstanding achievement and I’m very pleased for the team.
“We are so proud of the players and their coach, Kieran, who puts a lot into the delivery of the sessions.
“Delivered by Active Lichfield, which promotes activities across Lichfield District, in partnership with Midlands Soccer Academy, the Active Lichfield Walking Football sessions have been running for the past decade.
“Initially they attracted only four of five participants, but then really took off and as many as 30 people now come along to each of the two sessions we deliver each week.”
For more information about Walking Football please visit www.activelichfield.co.uk/wellbeing-activities/wellbeingburntwood/
Membership subscriptions for Friary Grange Leisure Centre are being reduced from 1 October to encourage Lichfield residents to become more active.
With its swimming pool, well-equipped gym, group exercise classes and squash courts the leisure centre on Eastern Avenue can really help users foster and maintain a healthy lifestyle and it’s open seven days a week.
Now Active Lichfield District, which operates the facility, is offering a ten per cent reduction in the subscription so that Individual Membership is £33 per month, down from £37; Joint Membership is £60 per month, down from £66.50 and Swim Only Membership is £25, down from £28.50.
Councillor Andy Smith, Lichfield District Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Leisure, said: “Encouraging the use of Lichfield’s leisure facilities is very important. There is no doubt that exercise and activity have a positive effect on people’s lives, and we will continue to do all we can to get everyone to join in.”
Lloyd Sanders, of Active Lichfield District, said: “We are offering this reduction to the monthly membership subscription at Friary Grange Leisure Centre only, to help encourage the local community to get more active, more often.
“Our memberships allow members access to our great swimming pool facility, our gym which offers a wide range of equipment to help you stay motivated and access to our weekly exercise classes including, Aerobics, Pilates and Step.
“We hope to see new members joining and improving their wellbeing at Friary Grange this autumn.”
For full details of the leisure membership packages available please visit www.activelichfield.co.uk/venues/friary-grange/memberships/
Don’t miss an opportunity for all the family to try their hands at a new sport or activity when Lichfield Community Games returns to the city in September.
The event in Beacon Park on Saturday 16 September and Sunday 17 September from 12noon to 5pm, will feature 30 different activities delivered by local providers and clubs.
From Rugby Tots to cheerleading and netball to body combat there is so much to experience, and children can collect a sticker for each activity they try which earns them their very own free medal to take away at the end.
The Community Games brings families and local sports clubs together in a friendly, safe, setting to encourage people to anticipate regardless of age or ability.
Lichfield District Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Leisure, Parks and Major Projects, Councillor Andy Smith, said: “The Community Games is a brilliant two-day community event which proves popular every year.
“Giving people the chance to try something new, it may open the door to a new interest, and I hope many will come along and join in the fun.”
Community Games founder, Dennis Kennedy, said: “This will be our fifth Community Games in the Lichfield and we can’t wait.
“It’s fantastic to see people inspired by trying something new. It’s what the games are all about and I’d like to thank Lichfield District Council and all the activity providers that are supporting it.”
Lichfield Community Games is being delivered by Inspire Activity in partnership with Active Lichfield, Aspire Active Camps, Central Co-operative, BMet, Palletways, Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity, RotoSpa, Burley Browne Chartered Surveyors and Cathedral Mobility Services.
Tickets for the event, at £6, can be pre-booked online up until Friday 15 September or pay £7 on the day of attendance. The fee covers all of the activities at the event. To book tickets visit www.trybooking.co.uk/CESW
Dozens of Lichfield residents attended a drop-in session this week to meet the team delivering a new leisure centre for the district.
The event at the Guildhall on Tuesday (8 August) displayed concept designs for residents to view and was manned by project officers from Lichfield District Council and Olympian-led design team ReCreation offering information and answering questions.
Attendees included residents living near the development site at Stychbrook Park off Curborough Road, current users of Friary Grange Leisure Centre and sports and leisure clubs in the district.
They expressed a range of feedback to the project team. The planned facilities are welcomed by residents who are looking forward to having a modern leisure centre and excited to see this progressing.
Concerns were raised by neighbouring residents regarding noise, light and traffic. These have been noted and will be reviewed by the project team to ascertain if any mitigating measures can be introduced within budget.
Councillor Andy Smith, Lichfield District Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Leisure, Parks and Major Projects, said: “I’d like to thank everyone who came along to this first drop-in session. More than 100 people attended to learn more about the leisure centre development.
“We know how important good facilities are to our residents and are determined to deliver the best leisure centre that we can to replace the ageing Friary Grange.
“Further drop-in events will be planned and communicated as soon as possible.”
For updates on the project please visit www.activelichfield.co.uk/stychbrookpark
This is the last month people across the district can sign up for membership of both Friary Grange Leisure Centre in Lichfield and Burntwood Leisure Centre with no joining fee, saving £20.
From 1 September, the joining fee will return so anyone considering joining the Active Lichfield community is encouraged to do so before the end of August.
Lichfield District Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Leisure Andy Smith said: “The district’s leisure centres are a great place for residents of all ages to come to, boosting their physical health and mental wellbeing.
“A wide range of membership packages are on offer and there is no joining fee until September so now is the best time to sign up and save.”
Burntwood Leisure Centre Manager, Lloyd Sanders, says: “There are always activities for all ages, and we have loved seeing new members joining us in recent weeks; many returning after seeing the changes we have made since taking back management control of the leisure centres.
“Swimming classes, football and exercise classes are always popular, but we have activities for older, less mobile people and lots of activities over the summer holidays for children. Check out the website for more details.”
For full details of the leisure membership packages available please visit the Active Lichfield website.
As the delivery of Lichfield’s new leisure centre progresses, Lichfield District Council is holding drop-in sessions so that residents can learn more about the process.
The sessions are an opportunity to meet the project team, which includes officers from Lichfield District Council and Olympian-led design team ReCreation in person, provide feedback and ask any questions.
The first drop-in session will take place next Tuesday 8 August at the Guildhall in Bore Street, Lichfield, from 2pm to 8pm. There residents can see the design’s progress from initial concepts, see potential construction materials and how the site could look internally and externally. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Residents who would like to be kept updated and invited to subsequent events as they take place are asked to complete this short form.
Details will never be passed onto any other third party and respondents will only be communicated with about the Stychbrook Park development.
Lichfield District Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Leisure, Parks and Major Projects, Andy Smith, said: “We know how important leisure centres are to residents and we are working to deliver a modern facility for the district.
“The drop-in sessions are being held so that residents can find out more about the design, meet the team and ask any questions they have, so please come along.
“We are here to listen, support and provide updates about progress of the new leisure centre.”
Any questions around the development can also be sent via email to stychbrooklc@lichfielddc.gov.uk
In a highly visible move towards addressing climate change and promoting sustainability the highly anticipated “Carbon Bubble” will be at the Beacon Park Fun Day on Wednesday, August 2nd.
The carbon bubble initiative is part of the work of the Staffordshire Sustainability Board , a joint effort between the County Council and Staffordshire’s eight district and borough councils to develop and deliver carbon reduction initiatives across the county.
The Carbon Bubble, which has garnered widespread attention and acclaim since its inception, serves as a captivating visual representation of the carbon emissions we produce and the implications for our planet. As part of the giant Carbon Bubble Tour, Lichfield residents and visitors will have the unique opportunity to witness the magnitude of this environmental challenge and be encouraged to take steps towards a sustainable future.
Staffordshire County Council has been at the forefront of driving initiatives that combat climate change and promote sustainable practices. With the Carbon Bubble making its stop in Lichfield, the Council aims to engage the local community, businesses, and stakeholders in a conversation about the impact of carbon emissions on our planet and the steps we can collectively take to mitigate these effects.
Assembled in partnership with leading environmental experts and organizations, the Carbon Bubble Tour is designed to spark meaningful discussions, educate residents about climate change, and inspire actionable change at both individual and community levels. Visitors to the Beacon Park Fun Day will have the opportunity to explore interactive exhibits, engage with knowledgeable experts, and access valuable resources that shed light on climate-friendly choices and practices.
Councillor Mike Wilcox of Lichfield District Council, responsible for Waste, Recycling, Ecology and Climate Change, expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming event, stating: “The Carbon Bubble Tour’s arrival in Lichfield is a remarkable milestone in our ongoing efforts to tackle climate change. By bringing this engaging and informative experience to our community, we hope to encourage everyone to be more mindful of their carbon footprint and contribute to building a more sustainable future for Lichfield District and Staffordshire.”
For more information and updates on the Carbon Bubble Tour, please visit the official event website.
There will be activities for all the family to enjoy in Lichfield next Wednesday, 2 August, when a special fun day is held in Beacon Park from 11am to 3pm.
Sports and games on offer include table tennis, limbo and hoopla and there will be a carousel, inflatables, and a barefoot walk.
Lennie the Land Train will be giving free rides across the park and the event will also feature food stalls, hair wraps and glitter tattoos.
Don’t forget to bring your teddies for the free teddy races, between 12noon and 2pm, and be sure to check out the Carbon Bubble Roadshow, an initiative led by Staffordshire County Council which aims to spark discussion about the impact of carbon emissions and the steps that can be taken to mitigate their effects.
Charities and the emergency services will also be present on the day so don’t miss it!
Lichfield District Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Leisure, Parks & Major Projects, Andy Smith: “The fun day is another great opportunity for families to enjoy themselves in beautiful Beacon Park.
“Entry is free, and the event features a mixture of free and paid for activities. There is no need to book – just come along next Wednesday and have some fun.”
We are very sorry, but due to an administrative error, leisure centre membership fees will be requested from leisure centre members’ bank accounts on Friday 28 July, instead of Tuesday 1 August 2023.
We have tried to recall the payment request, but we have been unable to do so.
If you have any concerns about the impact this might have for you, please contact us by emailing enquiriesburntwood@lwmservices.co.uk
Anyone who loves cycling should not miss their chance to ride on an exhilarating street velodrome coming to Lichfield and Burntwood in June.
Lichfield District Council is bringing ‘the world’s most accessible live sport event’ to the district where people can enjoy the thrill of track cycling for free.
Hello Velo, will see a giant street velodrome erected on Saturday 24 June in Bird Street Car Park, Lichfield and on Sunday 25 June at Burntwood Leisure Centre and open to ride from 11am to 4pm on both days. All bikes and safety equipment will be provided.
After registering, participants will complete two laps on the flat to get used to the street velodrome, two laps on the ramp and then a two-lap race.
The event is open to everyone, not only cycling enthusiasts. Come and try riding the track under the supervision of the experienced Street Velodrome coaches.
In addition to the street velodrome and the excitement of races for all ages there will be a variety of entertainment, food and refreshments making it an event for the whole family to enjoy.
A spokesperson for Lichfield District Council said: “We are delighted to announce that the street velodrome is coming to Lichfield and Burntwood. It is a first for the district and a great opportunity for cyclists and people wanting to try something new. There is no need to book. Just save the dates and come along on the day. It will be great fun for participants and spectators alike.”
The event is being delivered by Lichfield District Council and Active Lichfield in partnership with Cocker Hoop Creative and Street Velodrome.
Visit www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/hellovelo for more information.