The first Christmas lunch at The Poolside Café in Saltash Leisure Centre has been a sell-out.
More than fifty customers joined leisure centre staff for a three-course meal organised by Dawn Couch who took over as operator of The Poolside Café earlier this year. Santa was also present to lend his own extra special brand of festive cheer.
“I was thrilled to host my first Christmas event in the café,” said Dawn. “It was the perfect way to round off the year and celebrate not only the festivities but also what has been a successful first 7 months since I opened the café in May.”
The lunch was originally going to be a small affair with 20 customers who wanted an aqua ladies’ meal. Other members then expressed an interest, and all available tickets were quickly snapped up.
“It was a really fun afternoon that underlined how well both the café and the centre are performing,” said GLL Senior General Manager Ben Wilkinson.
“The last twelve months have shown just what can happen when the community comes together and supports its local leisure centre facility. Dawn is doing an excellent job with the café and, compared to this time last year, there’s a real sense of optimism.”
Not for profit social enterprise GLL runs Saltash Leisure Centre on behalf of Cornwall Council. In 2021, it was one of four Cornish centres under threat of closure but the local community rallied round to help prevent that happening.
“We’re delighted with all that has been achieved in Saltash and look forward to continuing to work closely with local groups in the New Year,” said James Curry, Head of Services for GLL in Cornwall.
“The Christmas lunch epitomises how far the centre and the new café have come, and I heartily congratulate everyone involved.”