It’s now over two years since the first case of what became known as COVID-19 was first reported in Wuhan, China.
The first UK lockdown began on March 20th 2020 and since then, Active Tameside operations have been compromised in any number of ways, to a greater or lesser degree.
However, from Thursday January 27th, all Omicron restrictions (Plan B) will be lifted and this means that to all intents and purposes, pre-pandemic protocols will be in play across the physical estate – please bear with us as we seek to remove legacy signage as quickly as possible.
Personal choice will fully replace legislation/guidance in relation to masks and social distance etc for both staff and customers.
Nevertheless, infection levels within Tameside remain stubbornly high and I would ask that our customers are mindful of this and respectful of the decisions and viewpoints of others.
At this juncture, Active Medlock remains a ‘hybrid centre’ in that for a large proportion of the week, vulnerable cohorts are hosted in a care environment which is characterised by separation from other user groups. We are reviewing this scenario with key stakeholders/commissioners and hope to fully reopen the centre as soon as is it is safe to do so. In the interim, we are optimistic that current access and egress protocols for swimming in particular can be revised in the very short term with a view to improving the user experience – thank you for your patience and keep an eye out for announcements.
Active Oxford Park remains a vaccination centre and will be the subject of further communication in due course.
I’ve been delighted with our recovery since ‘lockdown release’ in April of last year which has continued in to January of this year – a key trading month for commercial revenue streams and the platform for viability in any given calendar year.
Further, I am happy to announce that during the course of 2022, all gym equipment will be upgraded and gym environments enhanced. Moreover, the COVID delayed investment into the roof area at the Tameside Wellness Centre will also take place this year with the result being an innovative and inclusive outdoor training area which will also feature a sensory garden.
In summary, there is no doubt that we’re building back better and at real pace but inevitably there will be the odd bump in the road given the scale of the challenges we have faced and indeed continue to face.
Finally, I would like to thank our existing customers for their loyalty throughout the pandemic and welcome new customers to the Active Tameside community.
Kind regards
Chris Rushton, CEO.
Your card, your choice. Choice is a great thing in life, so you’ve come to the right place. With so many ways to spend your Active Choice Card you’ll never be stuck for fun family times, fitness and wellbeing times, Fuel cafes catch-up times and for those activity must-haves (forgotten the goggles, stylish swimwear) you can also spend it at our in-centre stores.
