Behind the Scenes: Sept ‘22
The nights may be drawing in at the same rate as the temperature starts to dip but the turn to Autumn brings with it a bustling programme of events and activities at Atlantis Leisure – September has been a busy month. Read on to find out more about what’s been happening at the centre as we head into another new month:
Staff News - ‘the team behind the action’
September has been a packed month for the staff team here at the Centre. All our Duty Managers and Management Team attended and completed a Pool Plant Operator course earlier in the month. This was run by Robin from Pioneering Pool Solutions who taught our attendees everything they need to know about the safe operation of the equipment that administers the various chemicals and treatments required to make pools safe for swimming.
The course coincided with Atlantis’ application to have our PWTAG status renewed. You might remember PWTAG from a few years ago. PWTAG stands for Pool Water Treatment Advisory Group and they’re the folks that help keep us all safe in clean water as we dive into the pool. Back in 2019, Atlantis Leisure became the first recipients in Scotland of the PWTAG PoolMark – a certification that carries an assurance that the pool meets essential healthy pool operational standards. We’re on track to have our PoolMark awarded once again and we’ll of course keep you posted as to how we get on.
An enormous well done to Rebecca Mackinnon who has successfully attained a Batchelor of Arts in Social Sciences, graduating with first class honours. Rebecca is our Development and Wellbeing Officer and achieves her degree after 6 years of hard work and study. Congratulations Rebecca!
Congratulations also go to Colin Mackenzie on his recent promotion to Relief Duty Manager. Colin has been with Atlantis for 12 years and is getting stuck into the training for his new role.
It’s all change in the admin team too as we congratulate Suzanne Mackenzie and Erin O’Rourke on their new shared role as Admin Assistant. The admin role at Atlantis is a varied one, with so many areas of the Centre dependent on the team’s hard work. Congratulations Suzanne and Erin!
Atlantis in the Community - ‘making a difference beyond the Centre
Over on poolside we once again extend Atlantis’ gratitude to our fantastic team of swimming teachers who recently gave up their weekend as part of their continuous training. 9 teachers spent the weekend undertaking a training update as part of their continuing professional development. In an array of wonderful community initiatives hosted at Atlantis, the quality of our swimming teaching programme regularly stands out. This is most notably due to the commitment and enthusiasm of the team, so much of which happens out of the spotlight and unseen. Thank you.
Elsewhere in the Centre, as the busy summer season gives way to Autumn, we’re looking forward to hosting new and returning local activity over the next few months.
It was fantastic to see Freestyle Friday blast back into the Centre after a 3-year absence earlier in the month. The weekly event sees all adults turfed out of the Centre for a few hours each Friday evening as we put on a whirlwind schedule of fun-packed activities aimed at young people in S1. It’s been sorely missed over the last few years but is fantastic to have back and offers another sign that Atlantis is well and truly finding its feet after the uncertainty of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Last year, Atlantis was one of the hosts of Adventure Oban’s RideOban Weekender – a weekend of community-focussed cycling activities, rideouts and socials. This year the event is combining with the Kerrera Kids Bike Event to become the Big Bike Weekend. Once again, Atlantis will act as the Oban host on the Sunday with the event hub located at the Centre.
Atlantis Programme - ‘factor Atlantis into your week’
We’re happy to report that the trial Sunday openings have returned positive results. This is due to you, the Oban community – thank you for turning up and voting with your feet.
As we extend the trial and look ahead into the Autumn, we plan to provide a programme of community events to help make your family trip to Atlantis even more fun. Keep an eye out for the next edition of our Car Boot Sale Sundays, Nerf Wars, the return of the H2O LockIn, Tag Archery, Adventure Oban Big Bike Weekend and lots more.
Uncertain times still lie ahead. Thank you for your continued support – it really is what makes the difference in protecting Atlantis into the future.