Club gets fitter in size

12:01pm Saturday 28th May 2005

NEWHAM'S new Fit club programme is growing in size and offering a host of summer activities.

The club will be offering members the chance to improve their cycling skills between May and September.

There will also be archery sessions, cricket and watersports at the Royal Victoria Dock Watersports Centre.

Cycling is available on Tuesday at Central Park, East Ham, on Wednesday at Stratford Park, and on Friday June 3 at Little Ilford Park, in Manor Park.

The sessions are ideal for beginners or those wanting to get back on track after being out of the saddle and are available as one-hour slots between 9am and 5pm.

Cricket will take place every Monday and Tuesday in June and July at Plashet Park, Forest Gate, from 6.30pm to 7.30pm with archery every Wednesday throughout July and August at Flanders Playing Field, East Ham (6.30pm to 8.30pm.

Watersports, including canoeing, sailing, raft-building, bellboating and rowing, are available at the docks every first Saturday of the month from 1pm to 4.30pm and every first Sunday of the month from 10am to 4.30pm until September.

Those wishing to take part need to inform the centre if they are non-swimmers by calling 7511 2326.

Mayor Sir Robin Wales said: "I fully support any initiative that aims to improve the borough's health. These latest Newham Fit Club sessions not only highlight the council's commitment to providing its residents with real opportunities to make an impact on their health, but also showcase the variety of activities available. With summer fast approaching, there's no better time to get out."

Additional help is provided by the Newham Lifestyle Journal, an easy-to-use guide containing key health information such as becoming more active, giving up smoking and beating stress.

Membership to Newham Fit Club is completely free and open to all. Register on line at http://span.newham.gov.uk/clientsonline/fitclub/