1 / A ‘quick ello’ / December 2014

On behalf of the Strategic Leadership Team and the Board, I would like to thank everyone for your contribution and commitment this year.

As always there is a huge amount to celebrate, we could all share countless stories of colleagues doing their job in a welcoming, caring, passionate and proud way and making a positive difference. With the proposed Council budget cuts, we are all too aware of the financial challenges ahead. However, we have great products and services, strong partnerships, expertise in all things physical activity and sport and, most importantly, great people who care about what they do. That’s a powerful mixture and one that leaves us well placed to take on these challenges and continue to make a positive difference to people across Edinburgh.

Be active, be well, be kind and be happy this December.

June Peebles

With Christmas and New Year fast approaching, if you are anything like me, you will be doing a spot of reflecting on the passing of another year and thinking about what lies ahead in 2015!

A special evening for Active Lives We always knew that Active Lives was special but this was officially recognised in November when it was selected as a finalist in the Healthier Lifestyle category of the prestigious Scottish Health Awards.

The programme, which supports inactive over 45s in Edinburgh, fought off competition from 22 nominations, to be one

of 3 finalists for the award and enjoyed a very special celebration.

Active Lives Manager Claire Craig said: “Although we didn’t win the category, we are really proud of the positive impact Active Lives has had on participants and that is down to every member of staff who interacts with them on site – thank you.”

Welcome to A ‘quick ello’

2 / A ‘quick ello’ / December 2014

Customer Story… Customer Story…

James Powsey from WSC and Liz Beswick from CLTC took a massive leap of faith in November when they took part in a brave skydive from 10,000 feet and raised a fantastic £1500 for Edinburgh’s Sick Kids Hospital.

Well done to golfers who braved the wind at the staff golf tournament at Carrick Knowe on 19th October.

John Millar (Craigentinny) and Alan Pettigrew (Carrick Knowe/Silverknowes) scooped the top prizes for the golf team.

James and Liz’s brave leap for sick children

Golf’s a breeze for EL!

James said:

“We were so impressed by the work that goes on at the hospital and loved the whole experience of the sky dive – we would highly recommend it!”

3 / A ‘quick ello’ / December 2014

Learning & Development…

Our happy team of Learning and Development Facilitators continues to grow, with five more people from across EL, successfully completing their CIPD Certificate in Learning and Development.

Euan McIntyre (golf), Joanne Kesterton (GLC), Ross Collins (VP), Susan Swan (APLC) and Tracie Falconer (RCP) attended evening classes at Edinburgh College and completed work-based assignments, as well as fulfilling the vital Facilitator role at their venue.

This brings the team of qualified L&D Facilitators to a healthy total of twenty three! If you fancy joining them, just get in touch with your manager or Eve Lee-Perelman in the Learning and Development team.

According to one Facilitator:

“I feel like I’ve been able to make a difference. It is a great team to be part of.”

Learning & Development Welcomes new facilitators

June Peebles congratulates our newest CIPD-approved Facilitators (above, clockwise): Ross Collins, Euan McIntyre and Susan Swan.

4 / A ‘quick ello’ / December 2014

12 Days of Fitness: This December, customers can invite a friend to try our Climb & Fitness membership for 12 consecutive days for free (non-members £12). Our Christmas Gym Challenge also challenges customers to take on 12 days of different exercises. January Price Increase:

Most prices will only go up by £1 or less per month – still excellent value for money! Full price grid available on the Intranet.

Pilot of New Fitness Member Experience Journey ‘Start 15 Months’: Increased consultation with users during the membership journey to identify fitness goals and help them reach their targets.

Congratulations to Lillian Gibson and Kathy Weavers of Craiglockhart Leisure and Tennis Centre, who both celebrated 25 years’ service. Receptionists Lillian and Kathy were presented with vouchers, cakes and flowers by their colleagues to mark the occasion (pictured).

We welcomed lots of new members of staff at the most recent Meet the Team gathering – welcome to EL one and all!

Well done to Leisure Attendant Liam Stalker, also of Glenogle, who achieved his ICS Solutions & Communications Qualification.

We also say goodbye to several members of staff. Our Chairman Charles Winstanley, Chief Executive John Comiskey, Health and Physical Activity Manager, Aisha Chaudhary, and Youth Development Officer, Jenny Jack, will all be moving on. We thank them for their service and wish them the best in the future.

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