Oldham veterans, have I got some cracking news just for you! Oldham Council and Oldham Active have teamed up to roll out a special little treat just for you—discounted memberships at local leisure centres, where you can jump into a whole new routine that’s as engaging as a Sunday pub quiz.
We’re talking access to five top-notch wellbeing centres right here in Oldham, Failsworth, Chadderton, Saddleworth, and Royton.
What’s on the menu? Well, we’ve got over 150 group exercise classes that’ll have you moving and grooving better than at a regimental dance, state-of-the-art gyms to build strength, and racket sports for some friendly competition.
And let’s not skim over the swimming pools and sauna facilities—perfect for relaxing after a good workout or just a tough day.
The best part? The council’s chipping in to give you two whole months for free. Now, if that isn’t a warm welcome to civilian life, I don’t know what is!
Stuart Lockwood, the big boss at Oldham Active, really puts it well: “We think every veteran in Oldham deserves a chance to thrive.
You’ve done your bit, and now it’s our turn to look out for you with opportunities that keep you healthy and connected.”
Gareth, 42, who served in the Royal Engineers says: “I really enjoyed being in the Army, and the buzz of being deployed around the world.
However, after eight years service it was important for me to spend more time with my family. It can be tricky to transition back to civilian life, as when you are in the Army discipline is obviously key, and this includes physical activity and training every day.
When you leave, that is suddenly taken away from you. I really value coming to Saddleworth Pool and Leisure Centre and train here most days, using the gym, pool, sauna and group exercise classes, including HIIT (high-intensity interval training) and Core. It has helped to ease me back to ‘normal’ life.
“After I retired from the Army, I retrained to work in health and safety and often work from home, which can be quite isolating.
Coming to the gym gives me that opportunity for social interaction and routine. It is really sociable here. I have good chat with the regulars and have met other veterans here too.
Being active not only helps me to keep fit, but also helps with my overall emotional wellbeing. I would recommend the discounted membership to other veterans in the area. If I can do it, so can they!”
Even Oldham’s council leaders are stepping up their game. Cllr. Arooj Shah points out, “Oldham Council is working hard to improve the level of physical activity across the borough.
Our health and wellbeing board has worked with partners to produce the get Oldham ‘Moving More’ strategy, as the positive benefits of physical activity for our physical health and mental wellbeing are well known.
This new discount is one extra way of helping our veterans that Oldham Council is proud to introduce.”
Cllr. Ken Rustidge, who represents the Failsworth East ward and served in the army reserve for more than 40 years before retiring as a major, said: “Let’s make it easier for our veterans to keep physically active.
As an army reservist, I know the commitment made by regular and reserve forces to the defence of our country.
This change will be one way of helping those men and women who have served to benefit their health and wellbeing.”
Curious? Keen to learn more? Just send a quick email to [email protected] and find out how you can start enjoying these fantastic facilities.
Don’t miss out—Oldham’s ready to welcome you with open arms!