Halo Leisure, the social enterprise and registered health and fitness charity, welcomed employees from across 22 sites in England and Wales to its annual Staff Awards evening on Saturday 25th November. The second event of its kind to take place, the awards celebrated the effort put into the organisation by its hard-working employees.
Halo staff swapped their trainers, trunks, t-shirts and trackies for ties, tux, suits, frocks and stilettos for the evening, which proved to be a roaring success from start to finish.
With so many fantastic employees doing such a great job, each and every one deserved an award. But, of course, it wouldnāt be a very interesting night if that was the case. So in no particular order, the winners were:
Volunteer of the Year 2017: Julie OāConnor
Julie is a regular sight in the pool at Pencoed where she is a popular swimming teacher. From everyone at Halo, especially those you have introduced to the world of water, thank you for all your time and effort . We are proud to have you part of the team.
Halo Leisureās Manager of the Year 2017: Karl Paterson
Karlās half-full approach to life and management makes him a standout leader at Halo centres in Maesteg, Ogmore and Garw. A self-confessed disciple of Disney, ānothing is too much troubleā for Karl when it comes to supporting the local community to get more physically active.
Halo Leisureās Employee of the Year 2017: Stuart James
As a 16-year-old member of the Welsh youth triathlon team, Stuart knew his future lay in leisure. Lifeguarding was the starting point for a varied career in the industry which has led to Stuart recently being appointed as Customer Services Manager, with a specialism in operations, at Bridgend Life Centre. Weāre lucky to have you, Stuart.
Halo Leisureās Outstanding Achievement 2017: Dana Machackova
āI have the best job I could wish forā says Dana who is a popular member of the fitness team at Halo centre in Ross-On-Wye. Dana combines her love of sport both professionally and personally. As a fitness professional, she encourages people to get the most from their workouts and, on a personal front, pushes herself to amazing achievements whether in the pool or on the road or bike. Finishing 13th in her first Ironman led to Dana qualifying for European middle distance events. More recently she took the Best Women top 10 position in the British Championships. She is now part of Team GB and has her sights set on representing her country in Ibiza next year. Dana - we are honoured and proud to have you part of Team Halo. Good luckā¦ā¦.
Halo Leisureās Health and Safety Award: Bridgnorth Leisure Centre
The centre has recently undergone a major refurbishment. Despite all the building work and disruption, the team worked tirelessly to make sure the facilities were clean, safe and welcoming whilst we had the builders in. With the new gym, exercise studio and changing facilities all in place, the team are just as passionate about helping existing customers maintain their motivation as well as encouraging even more new people to get more active more often.
Halo Leisureās Customer Choice Award 2017: Ian Scrivens
What can we say? The staff and customers at Halo Ross-On-Wye just love Ian. From swimming lessons and gym workouts to group exercise classes, Ian has helped hundreds of local people of all ages and abilities to introduce physical activity into their lives and maintain an exercise routine. Customers call him the āall-rounderā as there isnāt a role he isnāt involved with or passionate about. We would like to thank Ian for his role in helping more people get more active more often.
Halo Leisureās Centre of Year 2017: Ross-On-Wye Swimming Pool
Ross has long been recognised as outstanding. Several years ago, the centre was runner-up in UK Activeās National Leisure Centre of the Year. Customers are greeted with a smile and their first name - giving a real community feel to the place and placing the centre at the top of Haloās customer service rankings. With every aspect of operations from front of house, swimming lessons, gym workouts, group exercise classes, health and safety and housekeeping to maintenance being carried out to the highest standards - it is no surprise that Ross is the 2017 centre of the year. Keep up the great work.
Halo Leisure's Long Service Award: Sally Davis
From a career starting in Bridgend County Borough Councils leisure department to her current role as manager of Halo centres in Ynysawdre, Pencoed and Pyle - Sally has been committed to helping local people get more active for 25 years. We are so very proud to have such pedigree on our team.
Halo Leisureās Innovation Champion 2017: Cathy Fletcher
As an organisation, innovation is at our core. We are always looking at new ways to help us meet our mission of āCreating Healthier Communitiesā. Cathy, in particular, is passionate on this front and constantly comes up with new ideas, products, campaigns, offers and services to make our customers get the most from their workouts and enjoy their Halo experience. Thanks Cathy!
Donāt they scrub up well? We would love to hear your ideas on how we can get more people more active more often - share your thoughts at http://haloleisure.org.uk/contact-form.
