Charity is Set To Run Enterainment & Leisure Centre

Award-winning leisure charity Aquaterra is set to run Somerdale Pavilion, a new sports and entertainment centre. It is to officially launch on Sunday November 1 and is an important milestone in the wider scheme to rejuvenate the former Cadbury’s site at Keynsham.

Located in between Bristol and Bath, the centre is set to hold an open day to welcome the community into the brand new building, constructed as part of the redevelopment of the site.

Starting at 10am through to 4pm, the open day will feature a range of taster sports sessions for people to try out a new skill, a skittle competition with prizes, tombola, raffles and stalls, live music from a Michael Buble tribute act, together with a barbeque and refreshments. Even the younger audience will not miss out, with an appearance from Peppa Pig, a bouncy castle and face painting. Couples planning their big day will get a chance to meet and get advice from the centre’s wedding planner.

The charity responsible for the building; Aquaterra is a not-for-profit organisation focused on delivering programmes and activities that have a positive impact on the health of the communities within which it works. Aiming to inspire people of ages to get involved in sport and lead an active lifestyle, the charity delivers a range of programmes.

Penny Shrubb, operations director at Somerdale Pavilion, said: “We really want this centre to play a pivotal role at the heart of the community here and the open day is a perfect opportunity for people to come and find out more about what’s on offer. We’re planning a really fun-packed day and want to invite everyone in the area to join us in celebrating the launch of this new social hub for Keynsham.”

“At Aquaterra, we want to make sure that everyone - regardless of their age, background or abilities – has the opportunity to improve their health and wellbeing through sport, entertainment and leisure. Our aim is to create a focus for the wider community at Somerdale Pavilion and we are keen to talk to local people and community groups in the area to make sure the activities on offer meet their needs.” 

Aquaterra was recently appointed to run Somerdale Pavilion, which has a fully-equipped sports centre with a 32-station gym, 15 sports fields, a nine-hole golf course and a range of versatile spaces across six function rooms for any type of celebration or event, from weddings and birthday parties to conferences and seminars.

There are exciting new activities planned at Somerdale include Nordic walking, exercise classes, social activities, community days, sport performance sessions, massages, children’s parties and family fun days as well as a robust health programme run by a team of trained health specialists.

In order to ensure its services and meet the needs of local residents, the charity is keen to link up with community groups and other charities in the area. During the open day, Aquaterra will be fundraising to set up a cancer survivorship programme at the centre, involving exercise classes and rehabilitation for cancer survivors. The charity is also looking to set up rehabilitation programmes for stroke patients in the future, as well as raise funds to purchase a new frame for frame football sessions for children with cerebral palsy.

Somerdale Pavilion has been built on the site of the former Fry Club and Conference Centre, which was founded over 40 years ago by Cadbury as a sport and social club for employees at its Somerdale factory.

The charity, which already operates similar centres in Worthing and Slough, is experienced in running a range of health programmes including adult weight management and cardiac rehabilitation, as well as workshops to help those facing mental health issues and substance abuse. Aquaterra also provides activities for people with disabilities, including sensory activities and soft play, and funds adult and children’s swimming lessons.