1610 heralds a new era in community sport for Somerset Leisure

Release Date: 24/10/2011

Somerset Leisure Trust is making its mark with a major new re-brand, 1610 has been selected as the new name for the Leisure Trust which manages 13 leisure centres across Somerset. 1610 was chosen as the exciting new name as it represents the number of square miles in Somerset and while the trust is keen to establish a new, modern and vibrant brand for itself, it still wishes to retain links with its community roots in Somerset.

The change in name also reflects the changing role of the trust as it is now much more than the management of leisure centres. The trust has actively pursued wider ranging community roles by increasing the choice of activities that it provides, from healthy living initiatives, adult learning programmes to workforce development and training for the sports and leisure industry.

The trust has become a thriving Somerset business, one of the leading leisure operators in the south west and is currently bidding for other leisure contracts outside Somerset and not just within leisure.

The trust currently shares existing branding with the Somerset County Council run Adult Learning and Leisure Service. The trust believes that now is the right time to establish a new and separate brand identity as it moves towards a more regional role as a sport, leisure and learning provider.

The Chief Executive of 1610, Tim Nightingale says that new brand name for the leisure trust was chosen following an extensive consultation exercise: “ The name 1610 was selected via a number of ‘focus groups’ including staff, trustees and customers to ensure that we had community support for what we were trying to achieve. We believe that the 1610 brand and logo has a bold, modern look which fits the new vision of the company but also retains its roots in Somerset where it still plays a major part in the local community.”

The new 1610 logo and branding will be rolled out at leisure centres across Somerset during the next few months. One of the first places where customers will be able to view the new logo and brand will be at the opening of the new state of the art £2 million flagship Trinity Sports and Leisure Centre which opens to the public in Bridgwater on November 7.

The leisure trust was set up in 2009, it employs around 350 staff across 13 leisure centres. There are around a million visits per year to the trust’s leisure centres. It has also made major investments in facilities and in community health initiatives and workforce training.

Tim Nightingale says that 1610 will continue to build on the success that has been achieved so far. “Since the trust was launched two years ago we have enjoyed great success investing in facilities for communities in Somerset. During the last six months alone around £300,000 has been spent on refurbishment work at Cresta Leisure Centre in Chard as well as a gym expansion programme at Minehead in West Somerset.

1610 is also a leading provider of community health initiatives and apprenticeship schemes as well as training within in the leisure and sports industry in the South West. Trinity Sports and Leisure will be the new South West hub for the National Skills Academy. 1610, as an organisation will continue to build on this legacy for excellence and is becoming a major regional player within the sports and leisure industry in the South West.”

2009-2011 Achievements of the leisure trust…

• £300,000 investment on refurbishment work at Cresta Leisure Centre in Chard and gym expansion at West Somerset in 2011 • Opening of Exmoor Gym in Dulverton, West Somerset. • Employment of Sports Development Officers for football, gymnastics and cricket • Opening of Teenage gym in East Bridgwater. • Investment in upgrade of gym equipment at Glastonbury, Shepton Mallet, Cresta, West Somerset, and Chilton Trinity leisure centres. • Somerset Series Mini Football Events at Castle • Expanding the number of classes available. • Gym Memberships have increased by 19% compared to 2010. • Class attendances have increased by 66% from 2010- 2011. • Outreach health and community projects, Living Well initiative at West Somerset. • NHS family days at leisure centres. • Disability Football Team entered into the Ability Counts League. • GP referral schemes at nine trust run leisure centres. • Launch of Strawberry Club for adults with learning difficulties and disabilities, at Chilton Trinity Sports Centre in Bridgwater with further Strawberry Clubs rolled out at centres across Somerset. • Provider of short breaks for adults and children with learning difficulties and disabilities at Hestercombe House Gardens. • Launch of programme for adult learners. • Activities for families at 40 Commando. • Launch of first 10K race at Castle Cary. • Improved customer care at all 13 leisure centres, as all trust run centres are Quest accredited, the recognised benchmark for customer care in the leisure industry. • Silver Award for Investors in People. • Major investment in workforce development and training for trust staff, launched apprenticeship scheme. • Won bid to be the South West provider for National Skills Academy to offer skills training for leisure and sports industry.

For more information about 1610 contact the Marketing Manager Rebecca Sawtell Tel 01823 410 227 or mobile 07808 767468 or visit www.1610.org.uk

Notes to Editors

1610 is a non-profit making leisure trust which manages 13 leisure centres based on school sites across Somerset. 1610’ aims to help people live fuller richer lives through an active body and active mind.

If you require further information associated with this press release contact Gail Livingstone, A Head for PR: Tel 01823 252415 or mobile 0776 055595 E/: gail@aheadforpr.co.uk