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By rhona@theredstringagency.co.uk
On 1st October 1965, Bell’s Sports Centre (Perth) Ltd was created and in launching, set in motion a series of exciting milestones that would shape the path of sports and leisure in Perth and Kinross. From its ambitious start as the city’s first dedicated sports centre its current position that boasts the ownership of key centres and management of some eighteen venues, the story of Live Active Leisure is one that belongs to all of us.
Starting off in the 1960’s as Bell’s Sports Centre (Perth) Ltd and now recognised as Live Active Leisure, the ‘not for profit’ Company has consistently been a key contributor to the Perth and Kinross area being in the vanguard of sport and leisure provision in Scotland.
Creating an enjoyable account of such a journey requires not only skill and diligence, but also a real passion for the subject. Maureen Kay, the author, displayed this all in abundance and her willingness to dedicate many, many weeks to the task, entirely on a voluntary basis, is a theme that is evidenced throughout the history of the Company.
Live Active Leisure (LAL) ended a year of fiftieth celebrations (on Thursday 16th September) at a Civic Reception hosted by Provost Liz Grant. The evening, attended by a mix of funding partners, former board members, talented athletes (Our Super Local Olympic Champion Stephen Milne being one of them!), councillors and others associated with LAL over the years, commemorated half a decade of the company's work in sports and fitness throughout Perthshire and Kinross.
To mark the occasion, the company launched a historical document' ’50 Years of Leisure in Perth & Kinross’ which has been diligently brought together by Maureen Kay, a long-time supporter and friend of LAL. As well as this, a short Live Active Leisure documentary featuring customers, staff and fundraisers from across the various communities of Perth and Kinross was unveiled to the audience.
We are delighted to have had the opportunity to celebrate 50 years of Live Active Leisure. LAL began this journey because of a conversation during a train journey to Edinburgh between Lord Provost Dr Robert Ritchie and Chairman of The Gannochy Trust Mr W G Farquharson who both expressed a real interest in building a sports centre for the community.
That conversation started 50 years of hard work and passion from communities all around Perthshire and Kinross-shire to deliver opportunities for us all. The success of the Company has been because of those unsung heroes, the Volunteer Directors, staff, customers and many sports volunteers throughout the years, and whilst the Reception was about celebrating the past 50 years, LAL are more prepared than ever before to deliver a future offer which excites and engages the local community.
These amazing pictures have been a combination of old archived pictures and new pictures from multiple different sources.
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