News from our partners: Free entry for those linked to Armed Forces, on Armed Forces Day

News from our partners Shropshire Community Leisure Trust Ltd

Shropshire Community Leisure Trust Ltd will be welcoming current and ex-service personnel, and their families, into its centres for free on Armed Forces Day on Saturday 24 June 2023.

Quarry Swimming & Fitness Centre in Shrewsbury, Shrewsbury Sports Village, Oswestry Leisure Centre and Market Drayton Swimming & Fitness Centre will be offering free gym and swimming sessions on this special day, that commemorates the service personnel in the Armed Forces.

Oswestry Leisure Centre. Photo by Alex Wilkinson Photography and Videography,

Jamie Bryant, Partnership Manager for the trust, is an ex-servicemen himself, having spent seven years in the military as a Royal Marines Commando between 1991 to 1998.

Jamie said:-

“After leaving the Armed Forces I struggled for a while to adapt to civilian life, so I’ve got a lot of time for the women and men currently serving and those coming out of the military, who are trying to find their place. I’ve managed to build a great career at a great company, so any help I can give is nothing compared to the sacrifices these people have already made for their countries.

“I want to keep supporting current/ex-military people, and letting them in free into our centres is just a small gesture of thanks from us at Shropshire Community Leisure Trust Ltd. And as someone who spends a lot of my free time doing endurance events and training for them, I know how important keeping physically healthy is in maintaining a positive mental attitude.

“We’re hoping to see plenty of current/ex-military people and their families on Saturday. There’s no need to pre-book, just turn up at one of our centres with proof of service, such as an ID or veteran’s card.”

Kirstie Hurst-Knight, Shropshire Council Cabinet member and Armed Forces champion, said:-

“Shropshire Council welcomes Shropshire Community Leisure Trust providing gym and swim for free at their leisure centres on Armed Forces Day. We are committed to supporting our military communities across the county and this is an excellent offer.”

Shrewsbury Sports Village, The Quarry Swimming & Fitness Centre in Shrewsbury, Oswestry Leisure Centre and Market Drayton Swimming & Fitness Centre are operated by Shropshire Community Leisure Trust in partnership with Serco Leisure, on behalf of Shropshire Council. For details of all the trust’s sites, please visit the website: https://www.shropshireleisurecentres.com/