Since Burnley Leisure and Culture’s inception 10 years ago, over 7,600 people have benefitted from our health referral programmes, including exercise referral, weight management, and community cardiac rehabilitation.
One such beneficiary is 72-year-old Pauline Farrell, who has been accessing leisure services in Burnley for more than 50 years, going back to when she taught her children to swim at the local pool.
Half a century later, Burnley Leisure and Culture is now playing a vital role in Pauline’s life. Here is Pauline’s story in her own words.
“The BLC membership is worth every penny for the benefits it brings to my life. I think I would cancel the internet at home before giving up my membership. I feel the physical and mental wellbeing impact every day,” she says.
“I’m a great grandma now and accessing the range of classes and the pool helps me to manage my long-term health conditions so I can carry on leading a good life.
“I have definitely felt the benefits over the last six and a half years since I returned to Burnley after living in Italy. Whilst in Italy I had enjoyed a great social life, but the good food and wine meant I was carrying a bit of extra weight that was putting a strain on my arthritic joints. I was beginning to struggle walking up the stairs.
“So, I went to the Up and Active programme and have never looked back. The extra weight steadily came off and I began to move more freely with less joint pain. I enjoy a wide range of classes including water fitness, Pilates, body balance, and meditation.
“As well as the physical benefits I really enjoy the social aspect of my membership. Especially when you are returning to exercise there is the worry that you won’t be able to do it or keep it up, but it is just not like that. Everyone, from the reception team onwards is friendly and welcoming, professional, and supportive. You make new friends and acquaintances.
“As well as the exercise there are lots of other opportunities too. I really like the bistro at the Prairie Sports Village; a real treat for a family meal and I have taken my grandchildren to play mini-golf and on the driving range.
“I really like the boating lake at Thompson Park and I’m happy to see it still in use now as it was when I was young. I also recently enjoyed the Cat’s Whiskers Reunion at the Mechanics Theatre.
“When it comes to choosing between the internet or my BLC membership, the all-round holistic benefits that BLC brings makes it the winner every time.”
