Ten months have passed and it has been all go for charity North Country Leisure (NCL) who took over the leisure management contract for centres in Eden, on behalf of Eden District Council on 1st April 2012.

A local management board, chaired by Ian White has been set up which includes a dedicated group of local people who direct and develop the business and keep in touch with the community. There have been two new gym and studio developments at Penrith and Appleby Leisure Centres which opened this summer and a range of new activities have been introduced including netball, gymnastics and trampolining in the sports hall at Penrith.

NCL are also looking to reinstate live events and entertainment in the sports hall and people can register their views on what they would like to see by completing a questionnaire via the website (www.northcountryleisure.org.uk/eden) or by contacting reception.

Membership numbers have increased by 22 per cent since April and over 1,100 people are now enjoying the benefits of the beActive in Eden leisure card, giving discounts off leisure activities across NCL centres. The beActive PLUS leisure card gives further discounts to those in receipt of benefits or with a disability, helping to make keeping fit and healthy more affordable. Local businesses can sign up to offer a discount to customers with the beActive card; so if you would like to get involved and offer a discount of 10% or more off your goods or services, then email [email protected].

The New Year sees even more on offer at the centres as staff prepare to launch a new swimming lesson programme at both pools. 'Better Swimmers Sooner' has been running at NCL's other centres for the past seven years, with over 4,500 children taking to the water each week. Following the Amateur Swimming Association's 'Learn to Swim Framework' the scheme follows a clear 10 stage process to encourage your child's progression, with ASA qualified teachers on hand to ensure they gain the right techniques as they learn a lifelong skill.

Also new is the Momenta weight management programme, the second course started on Tuesday 8th January at Penrith Leisure Centre. The course lasts for 13 weeks and is aimed to break the yo-yo cycle of short term dieting through subtle lifestyle changes. The introductory special offer continues for course two at £36.00 for non-members and free sessions for existing fitness and swim members.

Free open days took place on Saturday 5th (Penrith Leisure Centre) and Sunday 6th January (Appleby Leisure Centre) where children and adults could come along and try out a range of sessions, in line with the start of a New Year programme for the centres.

The exercise class programme at Penrith has doubled in size, which means there will be more choice for customers to enjoy a varied workout.

NCL will also start outreach classes in other community venues in early 2013 in and around Appleby. An additional special membership offer will be running during February to encourage couples and friends to exercise together. Two people taking out a joint fitness and swim membership will receive a 10% discount and from Thursday 14th to Sunday 17th February members can bring a friend for free or two people can exercise for the price of one.