Second outdoor gym opens in Thatcham

The free Pound Lane gym is now open and a trainer will soon be on hand to demonstrate the equipment

THATCHAM'S second outdoor gym, located in Pound Lane, was officially opened last Wednesday.

The chairman of Thatcham Town Council's recreation and amenities committee, John Boyd, opened the £14,000 gym, which was funded with £6,000 from the council and £8,000 from Veolia Environmental Trust's Landfill Communities Fund.

It features a range of equipment that people can use for free.

Mr Boyd said: “I am delighted we are able to provide our community with these two outdoor gyms.

“It is an ideal opportunity to get some fresh air and, while the kids are busy in the play area, mum and dad can do a little more than just sit and chat.

“I would like to thank councillor Stephanie Steevenson for instigating the idea, and Gary Johnson and the Pound Lane Action Group for their hard work on the project.”

The executive director of The Veolia Environmental Trust, Margaret Cobbold, said: “It is fantastic to see such a great project complete and I hope the community find great enjoyment keeping fit in this fun and unique way.”

_ PEOPLE in Thatcham will be able to take part in fitness sessions with a trainer to show them how to use the equipment at the town's two outdoor gyms.

Thatcham Town Council received £500 from West Berkshire Council's Healthy and Active Parishes scheme, and this will fund a qualified fitness instructor at the gyms in Siegecross and Pound Lane.

Twelve free sessions are being planned, which will include lessons on how to use the equipment, a bit of aerobic exercise and a programme which they can follow on their own.

It is hoped that these will start in April.