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National Fitness Day success

Our leisure centres were a buzz of activity on National Fitness Day (16 Sept), with dozens of residents joining in the fun.

A range of sessions took place at all four of our leisure centres in Clay Cross, Dronfield, Eckington and Killamarsh including: Mega Chairobics, Big Workout sessions and Fitness Bingo.

We also had offers on our smoothies and a special one day only membership deal.

Our Chair, Cllr Michael Durrant and Council Leader Cllr Nigel Barker joined in by taking part in fitness bingo – a series of fitness challenges with participants entered into a prize draw to win a month’s free membership for them and a friend.

Money raised on the day went to the Chair’s Charity in aid of Autism East Midlands.

Cllr Durrant, who has autism and ADHD, said: “It was great to see so many people participating in these activities and finding out more about my chosen charity, which does some amazing work to support autistic individuals, their families and carers.

“I know from personal experience how difficult it is living with autism and what a fantastic charity this is to raise money and awareness for.”

Keep a look out on our website www.ne-derbyshire.gov.uk and socials for more information about the Chair’s fundraising events.

If taking part in National Fitness Day inspired you to just do more, find out about our memberships and join today!

Pictured (from left): Council Chair Cllr Michael Durrant, Cllr Kathy Rouse, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Council Leader Cllr Nigel Barker at Clay Cross Active.

Participants taking part in Fitness Bingo at Clay Cross Active.

Council Chair Cllr Michael Durrant with Head Attendant Kieran Taylor at Clay Cross Active.

Cllr Michael Durrant and Cllr Nigel Barker taking part in the Fitness Bingo challenge at Clay Cross Active.

Low Impact Circuits at Dronfield Active

Low Impact Circuits at Dronfield Active is more than just a fitness class. It’s a welcoming community where people can improve their health, build confidence and make new friendships.

Hear from some of our regular attendees as they share their experiences and explain how the class has helped them stay active, connected and enjoying life.

Iris (84) has been visiting Dronfield Active for 18 years and is a firm believer in the importance of keeping active and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Iris said: “I’ve got a twisted spine and spondylosis, and I think if I hadn’t come to do exercises, I wouldn’t have been able to walk.

“I think it’s very important for people to keep going, keep moving.”

Jane has been coming to Low Impact Circuits for 11 years now and loves how social the class is. She has seen a definite improvement in her health since joining the class.

Jane (74) said: “Coming here it was so friendly and has got even more friendlier as the years have gone by, because it’s the same people that seem to come and we all kind of get to know each other now and it’s lovely, it’s good.”

One of Barbara’s favourite ways to spend her time is at Dronfield Active, enjoying Low Impact Circuits and catching up with friends, alongside playing the ukulele, of course!

Barbara (81) said: “I’ve lost count of how many years I’ve been coming. I was suggested by my local doctor at the Civic Centre to come down after I had replacement hips and I’ve been here for many years.”

After losing her husband, Jan found friendship, support and a real sense of community through the class, where she continues to meet new people every week.

Jan (72) said: “It’s helped immensely because obviously with knee replacements you need to do the exercises and it helps with my body and mind, so your mental health and everything as well. You are meeting people every day, every time you come.”

Derri has been visiting Dronfield Active for eight years after being referred by Chesterfield Hospital. Alongside Low Impact Circuits, he also attends classes such as Stronger for Longer, which help support his recovery from a shoulder injury.

Derri (76) said: “Prior to me being poorly with a heart attack I was a self-employed driving instructor for 30 years. I plonked weight on, had the heart attack and following the heart attack I had sepsis and I’ve lost 2.5 stone through coming to places like this and dieting.”

Margaret has been visiting Dronfield Active for over 11 years, and the Low Impact Circuits class has not only had a positive impact on her health but has also helped her build lasting friendships.

Margaret (88) said: “I’ve been coming for about 11 years or more now.

“I became involved when I attended a doctor’s class. I fell and broke my back in four places.

“I had training and they suggested I attend this class.”

To find out more, view their testimonial videos.

August Bank Holiday Opening Times

Bank Holiday Closures

Please see below our Leisure Centre’s opening times around this August Bank Holiday.

Clay Cross Active

Saturday 29^th and Sunday 30^th August 08.00am – 18.00pm

Monday 31^st August – CLOSED

Tuesday 1^st September – Open as normal.

Dronfield Active

Saturday 29th August: 07.30am – 16.00pm

Sunday 30th August: 08.00am – 16.00pm

Monday 31st August: CLOSED

Tuesday 1^st September – Open as normal.

Eckington Active

Saturday 29th August: 08.00am – 17.00pm

Sunday 30th August: 08.00am – 18.00pm

Monday 31st August: CLOSED

Tuesday 1^st September – Open as normal.

Killamarsh Active

Saturday 29th August & Sunday 30th August: 08.00am – 17.00pm

Monday 31st August: CLOSED

Tuesday 1^st September – Open as normal.

All sites: No swimming lessons from Friday 28/08 to Thursday 03/09 inc. They are due to restart on Friday 04/09

Major Investment to Transform 3G Pitch at Killamarsh Active

North East Derbyshire District Council is investing in the future of grassroots sport with significant improvement works planned for the 3G football pitch at Killamarsh Active.

The Council has committed £125,148 of capital funding, supported by a £25,000 grant from the Premier League, The FA and Government’s Football Foundation, to resurface and upgrade the existing pitch. The investment will help ensure the facility continues to provide a high-quality playing surface for local clubs, teams, schools and community groups.

Work is scheduled to begin on 18 August 2026 and is expected to take approximately five weeks, with completion anticipated in September 2026.

Once complete, the upgraded pitch will continue to support participation in football and physical activity for residents of all ages.

Councillor Kathy Rouse, North East Derbyshire District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Health and Leisure, said:

“Our leisure facilities play an important role in supporting the health and wellbeing of residents, and this investment in Killamarsh demonstrates our commitment to maintaining high-quality facilities across the district.”

“The 3G pitch at Killamarsh Active is well used by local clubs, teams and community groups, and these improvements will help ensure it remains a valuable community asset for many years to come. We’re pleased to be working with the Football Foundation to deliver these enhancements and support opportunities for people of all ages to get active and enjoy sport.”

Robert Sullivan, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation, said:

“The Football Foundation is working closely with our partners – the Premier League, The FA and Government – to transform the quality of grassroots facilities in England by delivering projects like this across the country. 

“Good quality playing facilities have a transformative impact on physical and mental health and play an important role in bringing people together and strengthening local communities. 

“This grant award to North East Derbyshire District Council towards transforming the 3G pitch at Killamarsh Active is fantastic news for the local community and will help give more people access to a great place to play.” 

Further information regarding temporary arrangements during the works will be shared with users of the facility ahead of the project commencing.

3g Football Booking & Fixture Request

North East Derbyshire Residents take part in Summer ‘New Age Kurling’ tournament at Clay Cross Active

Around 70 residents came together at Clay Cross Active to take part in a New Age Kurling tournament organised by Rykneld Homes’ Community Involvement Team and North East Derbyshire District Council’s Active & Healthy Lifestyles Team

The event brought together competitors from across North East Derbyshire, creating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for people of all ages and abilities.

New Age Kurling is adapted to be fully accessible, it allows people to take part regardless of physical ability, making it a popular activity within community sessions and wellbeing programmes.

The tournament gave residents the opportunity to try something new, meet others from around the District and enjoy friendly competition in a supportive environment.

Our community activities programme ‘Walking Into Communities’ offers a range of activities across the district aimed at helping people stay active, improve their health and connect with others. Sessions are designed to be inclusive and accessible, supporting people who may be new to physical activity or returning after a break.

Get involved

Residents interested in trying New Age Kurling or other community groups can find out more about local sessions and how to take part by visiting:
https://www.ne-derbyshire.gov.uk/community/activities/walking-into-communities#h2-3