Edinburgh Leisure – Page 3 – The NEN

Edinburgh Leisure: Let’s Have A Jolly Good Time

Edinburgh Leisure’s soft play parties are back this festive season at Clambers, Scrambles and Tumbles soft play. From rocking around the Christmas tree to burning off all that Christmas excitement across the city’s soft play venues, there’s plenty to keep kids active.

Children can dance and prance to the jolly disco, make new friends with the preppy party games and unwrap their creativity with Christmassy arts and crafts. And at Edinburgh Leisure’s Christmas parties, you won’t find the Grinch present – each child will leave with a celebratory gift.

In preparation for burning off all those mince pies, Santa Claus will be consuming this Christmas, he’s been seen on the climbing wall at Edinburgh International Climbing Arena (EICA) Ratho, perfect for practising descending all those chimneys. He’s also been making a splash at The Royal Commonwealth Pool and practising his jumps at Tumbles at Portobello, in preparation for leaping from roof-top to roof-top.

Tumbles at Portobello, 20 Westbank Street, Edinburgh EH15 1DR

What: Tumbles Christmas Party with soft play included, a jolly disco, peppy party games, and a gift for every child.

When: Friday, 15 December 2023 – 15.00–17.00 hrs
Monday, 18 December 2023 – 16.00 – 18.00 hrs

Scrambles at EICA: Ratho, South Platt Hill, Newbridge, Edinburgh EH28 8AA

What: Scrambles Christmas Party, with soft play included, arts and crafts and a gift for every child.

When: Friday, 22 December 2023 – 15.00 – 17.00 hrs

Clambers at the Royal Commonwealth Pool, 21 Dalkeith Road, Edinburgh EH16 5BB

What: Clambers Christmas Party, with soft play included, a jolly disco, peppy party games, and a gift for every child.

When: Thursday, 14December 2023 – 16.00 – 18.00 hrs
Thursday, 21 December 2023 – 16.00 – 18.00 hrs

Cost: Non-members – £13.00 per child / Members – £9.00/ Free – 0 – 11 months –

To book: Book at reception at the respective venues.

More information: https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/soft-play-christmas-parties

‘Tis The Season To Be Active!

Take Santa’s lead ahead of ‘the Big Day’ and join in at the biggest club in town with Edinburgh Leisure’s new Winter Pass.

It has never been more important to look after your wellbeing so Edinburgh Leisure, a charity dedicated to creating opportunities for everyone to lead more active, healthy lives has launched a two-week Winter Pass, so you can try before you buy or just get active in the run up to Christmas.

A short-term alternative to a full-time membership, the two-week pass costs just £20 for 14 days. Available to buy online or in venue from 17^th November to 18th December, the Winter Pass includes unlimited access to all Edinburgh Leisure’s 17 state-of-the-art gyms, 12 swimming pools, the Turkish Baths at Portobello Swim Centre, over 750+ fitness classes per week, and Europe’s largest climbing arena at Ratho, and represents excellent value for money.

The pass isn’t restricted to one pass per person either – if you wish to buy a second pass after your first pass expires, it’ll mean you’re doubly on the way to reaching those fitness goals ahead of the New Year. And the promotion is timely as experts continually agree that maintaining some level of physical activity in the run up to the festive season is important to boost immunity, manage stress and mental health.

Edinburgh Leisure’s facilities are second to none and offer choice and great value, across various city locations. Their gyms feature some of the latest fitness equipment and you will be assured a warm welcome, with helpful staff ready to help you reach your fitness goals.

So, gift yourself a wellness present and get one step ahead of those New Year fitness plans – that first trip back to the gym in January will be far easier.

For further information about Edinburgh Leisure venues and services and the Winter Pass, visit: https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/winter-pass

Non-sport lets for community access to city council secondary schools transferring to Edinburgh Leisure

Non-Sport Lets for Community Access to City of Edinburgh Council Secondary Schools Transferring to Edinburgh Leisure

The management of community access to secondary schools for non-sport lets is being transferred from the City of Edinburgh Council to Edinburgh Leisure.

A phased transfer, with nine schools initially identified, will mean that organisations and individuals looking to book and hire classroom space during community time for classes and workshops, will now book through Edinburgh Leisure, rather than the City of Edinburgh Council.

Core community times are Monday to Friday, 18:00 – 21:45hrs and Saturday, 09:30 – 15:15hrs whilst during school holiday periods around the opening times.

The schools available to book through Edinburgh Leisure are:

Balerno High School.
Broughton High School.
Craigroyston High School.
Forrester High School / St Augustine’s R.C. High School.
Gracemount High School.
Leith Academy.
James Gillespie’s High School.
Portobello High School.

Since 2017, Edinburgh Leisure has managed community access to secondary school sports facilities and through this period have developed a robust booking process and operational infrastructure that has seen usage and net income grow each year.

The investment made by the Council in its school estate over the last 15 years has resulted in fantastic facilities and the ambition for the transfer is to improve access arrangements and increase use from all sections of the community by utilising Edinburgh Leisure’s experience and expertise in this field.

Jimmy Livingstone, Schools Manager at Edinburgh Leisure said: “We have been working closely with the City of Edinburgh Council and with our expertise in the field of facility management and community access to the schools, we are the logical partner to manage the non-sport lets in secondary schools, to support the Council in improving access, increasing usage and maximising revenue.”

Cllr Joan Griffiths, Education, Children and Families Convener, for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “Having Edinburgh Leisure manage the non-sport lets in our secondary schools is a really positive move given their experience and expertise in managing community access across the city.

“It will further develop our partnership and improve access to the fantastic facilities we have available in our secondary school estate.”

All current lets at the above schools have been advised of the new booking arrangements. The booking process for schools not transferring to Edinburgh Leisure in phase one will remain the same.

The booking system will go live from 13th November 2023 for bookings starting from January 2024.

Any organisations wishing to book rooms in community time from January 2024, should email exlets@edinburghleisure.co.uk.

For further information, visit: https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/classroom-hire

Edinburgh Leisure’s Festive Gymnastics Display Tumbling Towards Success

Tickets are now on sale for Edinburgh Leisure’s annual Festive Gymnastics Display.

Now in its 17^th year, over 600 gymnasts and cheerleaders from six Edinburgh Leisure venues plus guest clubs will be coming together to delight audiences with their annual display at Meadowbank Sports Centre on Sunday, 3 December 2023.

Gymnastics Development Officer Dorothy McQueen said: “Gymnastics is a fantastic way to enjoy a healthy and active lifestyle.

“Our classes have many benefits and help children to gain strength, stamina, balance, coordination, and flexibility as well as self-confidence and the opportunity to build relationships and make friends.

“This non-competitive gymnastics’ event gives the participants within Edinburgh Leisure’s coaching programme the opportunity to showcase what they have been working so hard on throughout the year.

“In addition, it allows them to see performances from guest Clubs of all levels and different disciplines, inspiring them to reach for the stars … or maybe even that Gold, Silver or Bronze medal in the future!”

As well as featuring over 30 performances from Edinburgh Leisure gymnastics, there will also be special guest appearances from Clubs across the region, including Acrobay, Cheer Evolution, City of Edinburgh, Falkirk, Jack Kane and Kestrel.

Tickets cost £5 each and all spectators, 5 years and over, require a ticket for entry. Participating gymnasts do not require a ticket. Under 5s tickets are free but will not have an allocated seat.

Tickets are available for either the morning or afternoon session and can be bought from Ticket Source. https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/edinburgh-leisure-events

Edinburgh Leisure’s Gymnastics programme offers classes for the Under 5s including Baby Nippers from Walking to 18 months, Gym Nippers and Gym & Jump from 18 months- 5 years and then General Gymnastics, Display Gymnastics and Trampolining for Primary 1 upwards. Gymnastics is just one of the 12 sports coached across 17 venues in Edinburgh.

Edinburgh Leisure’s coaching programme helps children to develop new skills, improve their agility and grow confidence.

For more information on gymnastics classes and other coaching opportunities at Edinburgh Leisure, get inspired by visiting:

https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/activities/coaching

Edinburgh Leisure has Christmas all wrapped up

Gift the gift that keeps on giving this Christmas – a year’s membership to Edinburgh Leisure’s three soft play centres across the city!

The perfect solution for grandparents, godparents, and aunts and uncles who are fed-up of giving ‘plastic fantastic’ gifts that are surplus to needs, instead inspire the kids to get the active habit and sample the world of sport and fitness from an early age. Their parents will thank you for it.

Costing £179 for 12 months, the annual soft play membership means little adventurers can visit as many times as they wish, enjoying unlimited fun at any of Edinburgh Leisure’s three soft play venues across the city at Clambers at the Royal Commonwealth Pool, Tumbles at Portobello, and Scrambles at EICA: Ratho, which will keep little ones entertained and burning off energy as they explore the amazing soft plays.

Edinburgh Leisure’s play frames are suitable for children up to ten years old and there are frames for babies, toddlers, and juniors up to 10 years. Each venue has a café where healthy snacks and tasty treats can be enjoyed.

With great member benefits including special offers, members’ events, discounts to popular seasonal parties and other exclusive perks, the annual Edinburgh Leisure soft play is available to buy in venue or online. Purchasers will be presented with a Christmas Gift Card, which can then be given to the child.

Find out more – https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/activities/soft-play

Try before you buy – Meadowbank Open Day

Edinburgh Leisure’s state-of-the-art and newest venue, Meadowbank Sports Centre is hosting an Open Day on Sunday, 19 November to entice the people of Edinburgh to try before they buy.

Opened in July 2022, it will be an opportunity for people to try out the range of facilities at this £47m venue, and encourage customers, old and new to try something different, including the racquet and track facilities.

The programme on offer will include the gym, gym-based and fitness classes. Customer can also try racquet sports including badminton, table tennis, squash, and the newest ‘kid’ on the block, Pickleball, which is fast growing a big following. And if running is your thing, there will be a chance to try the indoor and outdoor running tracks. The Café Refresh will be open from 8.30 am – 5 pm for a range of drinks and snacks.

Picture – Chris Watt Photography 07887554193 info@chriswatt.com www.chriswatt.com

Josh Anderson, Operations Manager at Meadowbank Sports Centre said: “Meadowbank Sports Centre has been a sporting and social hub for so many people in the Edinburgh area over the years. But we’re conscious that a lot of people still haven’t paid us a visit to our incredible £47m refurbishment.

“Hence why we are opening our doors and hosting an Open Day, which will be a great opportunity for existing adult members to perhaps try something new, such as the track and racquet facilities and for potential new members to come and try for free before they buy and see just how great our facilities are.

“And as an added incentive for new members, there will be an opportunity to sign up for an adult Meadowbank Gym or Fitness Class membership on the day at the Meadowbank reception with a £0 joining fee.”

The new Meadowbank has much to offer the local community and communities throughout Edinburgh and includes the following facilities:

An outdoor eight-lane athletics track with a 499-seat stand and outdoor throwing and jumps area.
A 60m six-lane indoor athletics track and jumps space.
Two multi-sport halls with fixed and moveable spectator seating
A hall for dance and other events, including hosting bouncy castle birthday parties.
Two fitness studios (capacity – 30 each), which include world-renowned Les Mills programme of classes, smart tech bars and weights.
- A fitness class timetable with 77 classes
A Cycle Studio (capacity – 30) with Life Fitness IC7 bikes and ICG myride and Les Mills RPM classes
A gym with Life Fitness equipment, dumbbells up to 50kg, Watt bikes, SkiErg, row and Cybex SPARC machines (capacity – 90)
- Combined bumped plates weighs in the gym – 2927.5kg
- Combined dumbbell weight in the gym – 1,918kg
- 40+ pieces of resistance and free weights equipment
Two squash courts
A purpose-built dojo for martial arts
A boxing gym
Two 3G (synthetic) pitches, including one with a 499-seat stand.
A hospitality Suite and event-hosting facilities
Cafe and meeting rooms

To get involved in Meadowbank Sports Centre Open Day, gym sessions do not need to be booked but fitness and gym-based classes, and racquet sports, and use of the track need to be booked.

The activities are now available to book online or via the Edinburgh Leisure app.

Find out more – https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/venues/meadowbank-sports-centre/open-day

In for a penny to lose the pounds

Be in for just a penny and lose the pounds in time for Christmas. Edinburgh Leisure is reducing their normal joining fee to just 1p on any of their swim, gym, fitness classes, and climb memberships meaning there’s no excuse not to get fit and manage your well-being in the run up to the festive period.

The offer is available from Friday, 20 October until Sunday, 5 November 2023 and is available to buy online only or in venue.

As everyone is different and needs to find their own way to a healthy and active life, Edinburgh Leisure offers a range of different membership options to suit everyone including swim, gym and fitness class only to full monthly memberships.

By offering different types of membership, people can match their activity preferences to their pocket.

With 50+ venues including 1 climbing centre, 12 swimming pools including five Victorian pools, 15 gyms, and 750+ fitness classes per week, Edinburgh Leisure is the ‘biggest club in town’ providing the widest range of fitness classes, state of the art facilities and community-based programmes across the capital.

So, wherever you’re at on the map or in life, Edinburgh Leisure has something to suit your needs.

To join online, visit: www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/join-for-one-penny

Spooktacular Events at Edinburgh Leisure this Halloween

Little monsters can actively enjoy Halloween this year and have a frightfully good time at Edinburgh Leisure’s three soft-play centres across the city.

Let them get into the Halloween spirit by joining one of our soft play parties. There’ll be ghoulish discos, petrifying party games and of course lots of soft play fun.

Prizes are on offer for the best fancy dress so get creative!

Where: Clambers at Royal Commonwealth Pool
21 Dalkeith Road, Edinburgh EH16 5BB

When: 4.00-6.00 pm
Thursday, 19 October and Thursday, 26^th October 2023

Cost: £13.00 – non-members; £9.00 – members; free for 0-11 months

To book: Book your child’s space at reception during your next visit.

Where: Scrambles at EICA Ratho
South Platt Hill, Newbridge, Edinburgh EH28 8AA

When: 3.00-5.00 pm, Friday, 27th October 2023

Cost: £13.00 – non-members; £9.00 – members; free for 0-11 months

To book: Book your child’s space at reception during your next visit.

Where: Tumbles at Portobello
20 Westbank Street, Edinburgh EH15 1DR

When: 3.00-5.00 pm, Friday, 27^th and
4.00-6.00 pm – Monday, 30^th October 2023

Cost: £13.00 – non-members; £9.00 – members; free for 0-11 months

To book: Book your child’s space at reception during your next visit.

Tickets are now on sale. Entry is for ticket holders only. Please present tickets at the venue’s welcome desk. Each venue will close to ‘pay as you play’ entry one hour before the start of the party. Children must be under the supervision of their parent/carer at all times.

Soft Play Membership – October offer

From only £17.99 a month*, your little adventurers can have fun in our three unique soft play venues across the city as well as receiving exclusive member benefits throughout the year.

This is a great way to keep your kids active and entertained.

Find out more about the offer here.

*Membership is £17.99 a month for one child, £31.99 for two children and £39.99 for three children.

Edinburgh Leisure: FREE Gym Nippers Coaching Taster Classes

Kids can try out Edinburgh Leisure’s preschool gymnastics and trampolining classes from 23rd – 27th October and work on lots of key development skills.

Running across multiple venues, book your child’s free spot today!

https://tinyurl.com/y799rmdu

Challenge Poverty Week: Supporting our most deprived communities to live active healthy lives

EDINBURGH LEISURE £10 GET ACTIVE PASS

As the UK gets ready for Challenge Poverty Week (Monday, 2^nd October to Sunday, 8^th October), Edinburgh Leisure, the largest provider of sports and leisure facilities across the city, is working in local communities to support more people living in poverty and affected by inequalities to be active and well.

Poverty and poor health are inextricably linked. Despite Edinburgh being one of the wealthiest cities in the UK, Edinburgh faces some of the greatest levels of inequality. The Edinburgh Poverty Commission estimates that almost 82,000 people are living in poverty. And in terms of life expectancy, a boy born in in the New Town, Edinburgh can expect to live 21 years longer, than a boy born in Niddrie.

Forty-four percent of adults living in the most deprived communities in Scotland do not meet the recommended amount of physical activity compared with twenty-eight percent of adults living in the least deprived areas.

Helen Macfarlane, Director of Wellbeing at Edinburgh Leisure said: “Being active is one of the best things we can do for our health, wellbeing, and quality of life. Yet many people living in poverty can face barriers to being active, such as cost, lack of confidence and knowledge of what support is available.

“As part of Challenge Poverty Week, we’d love more adults experiencing poverty and inequalities to take out our £10 Get Active Pass and enjoy the life changing benefits of being active with Edinburgh Leisure. The card is not available to buy online but anyone eligible can pop into any Edinburgh Leisure venue and sign up. It really is making a huge difference to people’s lives.”

One participant explained the positive impact it is having on their life: “I don’t often leave the house but since I’ve taken out a £10 Get Active Pass, I’ve been going swimming regularly which makes a huge difference to my mental health.

“I couldn’t afford a membership, so the £10 Get Active pass has been a godsend. It’s helping me both mentally and physically and encouraged me to meet new people.”

The Edinburgh Leisure £10 Get Active Card is aimed at people on a very low income and offers off-peak access to the gym, swim, saunas and steam rooms and group fitness classes, up to 4pm, 7 days a week. Fitness classes can be booked on the day of use.

Edinburgh Leisure is a charity on a mission to keep people active and well. They run over 50 sport, leisure and school venues across the city and are committed to creating opportunities for everyone to be active and stay active.

Each year Edinburgh Leisure’s’ Active Communities team support more than 10,000 people who face the greatest barriers to being active, including those affected by health conditions, disabilities, inequalities, and poverty to improve their health and wellbeing. They deliver over 20 different programmes city wide, which aim to break down barriers to physical activity and help people to lead healthier, happier, and more active lives.

Each year, they raise over £800,000 from external funders to provide a range of targeted projects and activities which enable people on low incomes and those living with long term health conditions to be active to protect their health, wellbeing, and quality of live.

The funding is an investment into health and wellbeing, providing a significant return by reducing the need for people to access more expensive health and social care services.

https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/join/concessions#getactivepass

https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/activities/active-communities