BPL Newsletter – Spring 2024

Welcome to the latest issue of your BPL newsletter!

We’re enjoying seeing the first signs of Spring in the air and are getting ready for Easter with events for all the family to enjoy over the holidays.

It’s been a full-on start to 2024 for BPL, with the launch of our new website and discussions about plans to celebrate our milestone 25th birthday – we can’t wait to share more about that soon!

We’re also working with partners to create a major health and wellbeing project in Barnsley, which we’re really excited about. We are continuing to be a force for good, supporting events in our local communities and working with staff and members to raise money for causes close to our hearts.

Read on to find out more…

Out and About

BPL staff members Laurie and Tracey enjoyed meeting attendees at a wedding fair at Pontefract Racecourse.

The pair were spreading the word about what’s on offer at Your Space Pontefract, as well as handing out free day passes to stand visitors so they can try the club out for themselves.

Our community health team held a free nutrition workshop in partnership with Community Shop in Athersley.

Those who dropped in enjoyed a quiz and games, as well as getting advice on healthy eating and nutrition.

Staff and members enjoyed a get-together over a cuppa at Dorothy Hyman Sports Centre.

The session was a chance to gain valuable feedback from customers about the work we’re doing at the site and in the local community and what they would like to see in the future.

We were proud to be involved in the Poverty Action Barnsley Forum, where we had the opportunity to showcase how BPL is actively supporting individuals with limited means to engage in physical activity.

It was a really inspiring event, learning about the hard work of volunteers and services across the borough and exchanging ideas on how we can help our community.

Charity Events

Well done to everyone who took part in Your Space Royston’s recent swimathon.

All money raised from the event went to Barnsley Hospice.

The Your Space Metrodome community came together this Valentine’s Day to support a cause that’s close to their hearts.

Thanks to their generosity, a fantastic £120 was raised for the British Heart Foundation.

Good luck to BPL swimming teacher Rob Blackburn, who is raising money for Barnsley Hospital Charity in May by swimming in Derwent Water during the Keswick Mountain Festival.

Rob has raised over £11,700 for charity over the past 10 years and hopes to pass the £12,000 mark this year.

You can sponsor him here.

Success Stories

Have you seen the exciting news about our involvement in a major new project in Barnsley?

We’ve collaborated with local organisations to transform parts of the Alhambra Shopping Centre into a community health and wellbeing hub.

As part of the plans, we will be delivering a Your Space Feel Good Hub – a fun, friendly and welcoming space offering a variety of health, fitness and wellbeing activities.

BPL Chief Executive Michael Hirst said: “Our purpose is to help the people of Barnsley feel good and we’re all really excited about the innovative Your Space Feel Good Hub which we plan to bring to the Alhambra.”

Read the full story here.

Your Space Dearneside has joined the Barnsley Safe Place Scheme.

The Scheme is a community initiative which provides a welcoming and secure environment for individuals who may feel vulnerable or in need of assistance.

Thank you to our local community for your continued trust and support.

We’re delighted to have achieved the Water Wellbeing Accreditation from Swim England.

The scheme is open to any pool and offers resources, training and support to help staff better understand the customer experience and support the needs of people with long-term health conditions.

BPL Development Manager Simon Ferrarelli said: “We’re passionate about improving the health and wellbeing of our local communities and offering the best possible experience for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy the benefits of being physically active in the water.”

A big well done to Your Space Bircotes’ lifeguard Hannah, who recently completed the Retford Half Marathon.

Hannah came first in the U20s age category, finishing in an incredible time of 1hr, 43 mins.

We held an unforgettable day at Barnsley Metrodome when over 300 Barnsley FC fans gathered for a meet and greet with players Barry Cotter and Donovan Pines.

A big thank you to everyone who joined us for this fantastic event!

Pupils from local schools had a great day at the Barnsley Metrodome when they took part in the Panathlon Aqua Festival.

Thanks to the participating schools, volunteer swim teachers, aqua leaders and Metrodome staff for making the event possible.

What’s On?

Check out our newly revamped BPL website!

Here, you can find details on everything we have to offer to help people feel good.

Visit www.bpl.org.uk to discover more about our venues, the work we do to support our local communities and our latest job vacancies.

Our popular Easter activities are returning.

Join us in the Rigby Suite at the Barnsley Metrodome on Friday 5th April.

The session costs £10.00 per child, and you can drop in any time between 12pm and 4pm to enjoy some fun!

Dive into an unforgettable Easter pool party at the Metrodome Waterpark!

Come along on Wednesday 27th March, from 1pm to 3pm for splashes of fun and surprises!

Book now at www.barnsleymetrodome.com

Our chefs at the Rigby Cafe and Lounge have been busy creating a delicious Easter-themed menu for Sunday, March 31st

We are now taking bookings for Easter Sunday lunch via bookings@bpl.org.uk or by calling 01226 730060.

Get ready to mark your calendars for a night of fun as Bingo Revolution returns to the Barnsley Metrodome on Friday, April 26th

Following the success of our January event, this promises to be even bigger and better.

Get your tickets here.

Coming soon

This year, BPL will celebrate its 25th-anniversary milestone!

We have a lot planned to mark this special occasion, so keep an eye on our website and social media pages, where we will be sharing more details and revealing how you can get involved.

Now that’s something to feel good about!