• Girls all over East Anglia applied for the competition to become ‘Miss East Anglia 2013’
• Esmee Gummer, from Maldon, competed in preliminary rounds earlier this year, and competed against 16 girls at the final to win the Sportswoman category
• Blackwater Leisure Centre sponsored Esmee to take part in the competition, which consisted of an intense and challenging boot camp round, where she competed against personal trainers, dancers and sports players

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Esmee commented:

I’m absolutely honoured to have been crowned Miss Sportswoman, and have had a really inspiring experience by competing against some fantastic women. After various catwalks, outfit changes and interviews I was also crowned ‘1st Runner up of East Anglia’. It was a great experience and I feel privileged to have been given the opportunity to take part. Thank you to Blackwater Leisure Centre for the sponsorship and support.

Phil Wallis, Contract Manager at Blackwater Leisure Centre, said:

We’re really proud of Esmee for being named Miss Sportswoman of the year, and are really pleased we were able to support her on this journey. She’s a great part of the team here at the leisure centre and we hope our members will extend their congratulations!

• Jemma has pledged to complete 5km of running or cycling a day for 50 consecutive days to raise vital funds for the charity
• She is currently part-way through the challenge at Blackwater Leisure Centre in Maldon, which is supporting her throughout the charity effort
• To support Jemma, please visit http://www.justgiving.com/Jemma-Double

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Jemma Double commented:

This is such a huge challenge, but I am confident that by setting my mind to it, I will successfully complete the task. I want to thank everyone who has supported and sponsored me and the staff at Blackwater Leisure Centre for keeping me motivated during my sessions and making sure I complete every day!

Phil Wallis, Contract Manager at Blackwater Leisure Centre, said:

The whole team here have got behind Jemma to help her achieve this amazing challenge. We are extremely proud that one of our members is working so hard to raise money for such a great cause.

• The centre’s new timetable includes six spinning classes and a Zumba class
• Both classes are a fun way of getting fit with friends whilst being a challenging workout
• For more information on Dengie Hundred Sports Centre visit: www.harpersfitness.co.uk

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Justine Beer, Business Manager at Dengie Hundred Sports Centre, commented:

It’s really exciting to be able to launch new classes for members of our local community to enjoy. We are really looking forward to members testing out the spin bikes and especially enjoying the new refurbishment!

• It was a chance for the children to put the skills they have learnt to the test and have the opportunity to win distance awards and Brownies and Cubs swimmer awards
• Many children surprised themselves and exceeded the distances they were attempting
• There were some outstanding performances throughout the evening, notably Scott Jones who achieved 2000 meters and swimmer of the day, Ina Kruger, who achieved 3200 meters
• To finish the day, five candidates took their Bronze Medallion Award exam with 100 per cent pass rate. Congratulations to Emily Mines, Callum Loveland, Rebecca Thurston, Aisha Thurston and Patrick Conway

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Phil Wallis, Contract Manager for Blackwater Leisure Centre commented:

This was a good way for us, and the community to recognise the efforts of our young swimmers. It was a fantastic evening that didn’t disappoint and we are very proud of our young swimmers, especially Scott and Ida who really gave 110%!

• In addition to the ‘Fit as a Fish’ sessions, the new programme has introduced a lane swim session from 4pm during holiday periods, which gives swimmers of all ages the opportunity to come to the pool after work to enjoy a swim
• Furthermore, families can use the pool during the ‘Fun for All’ sessions from 10am-4pm every weekday, except for Friday 11am – 4pm, during holiday periods

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Phil Wallis, Contract Manager at Blackwater Leisure Centre, commented:

It’s really exciting to launch the new swimming pool programme, and we think the new sessions offer something for everyone who uses our pool, from senior swimmers to families.

• Local residents were invited to come along to the leisure centre to be part of the Coffee Morning and sample tea, coffee and cakes brought in by staff

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Phil Wallis, Contract Manager at Blackwater Leisure Centre, commented:

I would like to thank all the staff who gave their time and skills to make the cakes, and the customers who came along to support the event. It was a really fun and enjoyable morning, but one that also allowed us to remember those we know who have been affected by cancer.

• This year, all proceeds have been donated to local charities ‘Action for Family Carers’, which supports carers in Maldon, and ‘Families in Focus’, which offers support to parents and children in the area, with the total raised so far exceeding £5,000

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Kevin Carley, Chairman of the Blackwater Triathlon Club, said:

The Triathlon is a great event to put on and was very well attended with all the money from entry fees going towards the huge amount of money raised. We’re very proud to have taken part in twelve triathlons and we hope to continue year after year to raise money for great causes. Our team are very dedicated and work very hard to help the charities raise as much money as possible.

Phil Wallis, Contract Manager at Blackwater Leisure Centre, said:

It is an honour to host the Blackwater Triathlon Club’s charity run every year, and the incredible amount of money raised has to be applauded. Both charities are so important to our local community, and we hope to help raise even more money next year!

• The funding will enable staff from the centre to visit schools to carry out training with the pupils before they visit the site to take part in the competition
• The championship will start on Wednesday 17th October and continue for two weeks, with pupils playing in qualifying matches before a finals day where the champions will win a trophy

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Phil Wallis, Contract Manager at Blackwater Leisure Centre, commented:

The staff here at Blackwater are excited about putting on the dodgeball event to get more children from the local are more active through this energetic, fun game. We’re looking forward to teaching the children new skills and hosting the matches this October.

• The Ely Monster Middle is made up of a 1.9km swim, followed by a 95km bike ride and a 21km run
• Phil from Maldon, trained at Blackwater Leisure Centre to take on the Half Ironman event, taking part in various Swim Fit sessions at the centre amongst others
• Phil started training for the event in January and took part in events including the Maldon Tri and Bedford Classic Olympic Tri in preparation
• Having completed the Monster Middle in 5:57:08 Phil is still hoping for more donations to raise more than £1000. Donations can be made via www.justgiving.com/phil-wallis1977

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Phil Wallis commented:

I’m so pleased to have finished the Monster Middle in under six hours, which was my target, and so grateful for all the donations and support from my family, friends, members and staff at Blackwater Leisure Centre and the local community. The charity is very close to my heart as ectopic pregnancy has affected my family, my friends and me.  Any more donations are more than welcome.

More research is needed to help early diagnosis of this potentially fatal condition and this charity strives to educate medical staff further as well as supporting those experiencing it. I am so proud that I can support such a worthwhile cause, and look forward to taking part in more events in the future.

• The centre has taken on Danielle Hoad in to permanent employment allowing her the opportunity to progress onto the Level 3 Personal Trainer Qualification
• The news follows Danielle completing her apprenticeship at the centre
• The Level 3 Qualification will enable Danielle to develop the skills and knowledge she requires to deliver personalised and tailored training programmes for the people of Maldon
• She is currently benefitting from mentoring with the experienced trainers at Blackwater Leisure Centre

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Danielle commented:

Becoming a personal trainer has always been my ambition and this opportunity will allow me to work on fulfilling my long-term goal. The feeling you get when you help someone in the gym is great and that’s what motivates me to work hard and continue learning

Phil Wallis, Contract Manager at Blackwater Leisure Centre said:

We are very proud to be able to offer Danielle the opportunity to work in our centre and continue to progress her skills and abilities, she is an absolute credit to the team. It feels great to give something back to the community, and we hope Danielle is the first of many!