Home at last for gymnasts

Swindon Evening Advertiser - Published 17 November 2003

A GROUP of Swindon gymnasts are celebrating because they have somewhere proper to practice after a 30-year wait. The Esprit Gymnastics Academy has just won planning permission to transform an 8,000 sq ft industrial unit in Hobley Drive, Stratton St Margaret, into a cutting edge training facility.

For three decades members of the academy have struggled to find suitable premises where its 250 members, aged six-months and above, can fulfil their potential. Mark Hows, 43, Esprit business manager, said: "We are absolutely ecstatic. At last we can give talented gymnasts the training facilities they deserve." But there is lots of building work to be done before the gymnasts can start stretching and vaulting. Mr Hows said: "We hope to have everything finished by Christmas. The children cannot wait to start using the premises."

The self-funded academy is spending £30,000 on the facility, which will include a dance studio and café. Some £20,000 worth of equipment, such as beams, bars and safety mats, have already been bought. Members Micia Salaki, 10, from West Swindon, and Jade Faulkner, 9, from South Marston, are thrilled. The pair have just qualified to compete in the British Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships in Burton-on-Trent next month. Micia said: "This is great news. At last we have a proper place to practice. "It is the best Christmas present." Jade was equally excited. She said: "It is brilliant and so big. We want to start using the building now."

The Academy currently meets at the Ridgeway Leisure Centre in Wroughton, and at Wanborough Primary School. In September the group was set to move into a former caravan showroom, called Strategic House, in Turnpike Road, Blunsdon. However, the owner of the building pulled out of the deal and decided not to lease it out.

Debra Hows, 41, is one of 16 fully qualified coaches teaching at Esprit. She said: "It is wonderful to have a building where gymnasts of all ages can do their talents justice. "We are so pleased."

Artistic coach Katy Smith, 29, is relieved to have training facilities so much closer to home. She said: "We travel to Bristol and Gloucester, borrowing places to practice. "Finally these frustrating journeys are over. It is fantastic."

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