Sporting Activities in the Summer time

Summer is upon us and while the weather can be a bit hit and miss in the UK it’s still nice to be able to stroll along a beach somewhere without feeling conscious of how you look.

While not everyone can be as lucky as me and possess the firm, well-sculpted buff body (a party-seven I believe it is called: one better than a six-pack!)  that looks fantastic in a pair of skimpy speedos, it can still be beneficial to get a bit of exercise to help you feel energised, fitter and feeling better about yourself.

Luckily in this area there are quite a few places to go to get in trim: gyms, swimming pools, sports clubs etc., and I thought I’d list some of them below.

At Glastonbury Leisure Centre at St Dunstan's Community School, Wells Road, Glastonbury, BA6 9BY (01458 830090) there is a Fitness Suite open to the public during school term time which can be paid for per session or monthly by direct debit.  There is also a Sports Hall and outside hard-standing tennis courts (although these can only be used when the school is closed).   Various clubs use the Leisure Centre’s facilities including: Glastonbury Judo Club, Glastonbury Fencing Club and Street Badminton Club, and the folks on reception are friendly and can point you in the right direction.  It’s always worth booking up the courts in advance as from my own experience they can sometimes be busy at times.

Then there is the Trainstation at 14 Dyehouse Lane BA6 9LZ  (01458 832743)  which besides boasting plenty of gym equipment to suit everyone from beginner to expert, also have various classes including Pilates, body pump, Wing Chun Kung Fu and Body Combat, and they can even sort you out with any required sports supplements and nutritional aids.

Tor Sport and Leisure Club at 7 Street Road, Glastonbury, BA6 9EF (01458 832393) has a 15 acre outside space with 2 cricket strips as well as 6 rounders pitches, 3 grass hockey pitches, an outdoor bowls rink, a floodlit netball court, two hard surface tennis courts and a multi use games area, and of course there is also a bar which is always useful after a hard (or even moderate) hour or two running about!

Strode Swimming Pool & Fitness Centre, Strode Road, Street BA16 0AS (01458 443918) boasts the largest local-authority pool in Somerset (at 33.3m and with six-lanes), and there is a separate teaching pool as well as a well-equipped 36-station fitness suite and sauna.  If required there are lessons available on learning to swim as well as classes on Aqua fit and Aqua Yoga, although give them a call for the latest schedule.

The outdoor Greenbank Swimming Pool at Wilfrid Rd, Street, Somerset BA16 OEU (01458 442468) comprises of a 30x12m main Pool, a semi-circular children’s Pool and Splash Area with slide, fountains and water jets and is really more suited to families than serious swimmers as it can get quite crowded on hot summer days.

The Victoria Fields Sports Centre (or the Victoria Club as it is know locally) Leigh Road, Street BA16 0HB (01458 442779) is home to an indoor bowls club, an outdoor bowls club, Street Cricket Club, The Victoria Squash Club and the Victoria Tennis Club.  To join any of these clubs you must also be a member of the Victoria Field Social Club Limited, and each club warmly welcomes new members whether they be  total amateurs or more experienced sports people.

Wheathill Golf Club between Castle Cary and Somerton (01963 240667) is open to golfers of all abilities and is this summer offering people the chance to learn to play golf in a day with courses taking place on the following Saturdays throughout the summer: 25th and 31st July and 8th and 14th August. Again give them a call if you are interested.

If I’ve missed anything off, or there is a great sporting club you belong to that people should know about, then please let us know below, and of course if you want to recommend any of the above places, then please tell us what is good about them.

Photo Mr Hayata