Behind the Scenes: Jan ‘23
The past month has been another characteristically busy period for Atlantis as we dive head into our Winter programme proper. There’s a lot to get caught up on so read on read on to find out what the final months of 2022 have held in store for your community health and leisure centre:
Staff Team - ‘building the team behind the action’
A very warm welcome to the team to our new staff member, Rory Dowd! Rory joins us to work as a lifeguard and sports coach and is busy getting settled into his new role, great to have you Rory!
Hugh MacLean MBE - ‘a very well-deserved recognition’
We are delighted to send our very warm congratulations to our former chairman Hugh Maclean for his recognition in the New Year's Honours List where he was awarded an MBE.
For over 30 years, Hugh has dedicated his time, energy, knowledge and skills to working alongside fellow volunteers to develop some of Scotland’s most innovative and impactful examples of community charitable provision - firstly with his service to Atlantis Leisure as a founding director and later Chairman before going on to do the same with Lorn & Oban Healthy Options where he continues to serve as Chairman.
Each example of Hugh’s community work for Oban reflects the same commitment to recognising and delivering projects that he sees will bring improvement, inclusion and opportunity for all. For that, and on behalf of our town, we extend Hugh our warm and sincere thanks and congratulations.
Winter Warmer Project - ‘increasing Atlantis’ impact in our community’
The Winter Warmer project has got underway with a busy time of community engagement led by project manager Hannah Shaw. Hannah has been busy developing Atlantis’ existing relationships with a range of existing local organisations to ensure the project helps those that need it most. Group visits from some of these partners are already under way which are a huge help in exploring new ways that Atlantis can help meet our community’s needs.
We’ve also made a new free Winter Warmer membership to make it even easier for anybody to benefit from the project. The membership offers free access to a range of Atlantis activities and facilities at set times until March. We’re also underway with a programme of community events such as a weekly Knitting and Crochet social and a weekly Learn to Repair Your Own Clothes session.
The Winter Warmer seeks to make sure Atlantis is available to those in our community that need it most this winter. It also works to provide specific expertise via our partners Healthy Options, Hope Kitchen, Greenshoots Garden, ALIEnergy and the Oban Youth Café. Find out more at atlantisleisure.co.uk/winterwarmer.
Centre Life - ‘know your building’
Our Sports Hall floor received some special treatment this past month when it underwent a full revamp. The work saw the floor sanded, reset and resealed. This is important, planned work that ensures the quality of the playing surface for all our community users and safeguards the facility for the future.
Our commitment to continue the upgrade of our facilities focussed on the Café toilets this month. The old 30 year old floors were replaced with a brand new surface – giving these facilities a much-needed lift.
Café Sundays - ‘grab a refreshment at Atlantis ALL week’
Last time, we told you about the continued return to 7 day opening at Atlantis. As part of this, Café Atlantis have also extended their opening hours to include Sundays for 2023. So now you can enjoy Beth and the team’s tasty menu, home bakes and warming treats all week!