Latest News from Matfen Hall Hotel

Matfen an Inspiration to GB Athletes

Our Leisure Club now has three of its members selected to be Great Britain team members, representing the country in the Duathlon, Triathlon and down hill mountain biking. This amazing feat is testament not only due to the club's superb facilities but also the team atmosphere that exists. It was the encouragement from staff and other members that lead to the Club's latest success when 62 year old, Cliff Thornton qualified for the World Duathlon Championships which take place in the U.S. in September.

Cliff from Ovington took part in his first Duathlon in March with a performance that resulted in his being selected to represent Great Britain in the 60 to 64 age group at the European Duathlon Championships in Hungary in May. His qualifying time at that event means he goes on to the World Duathlon Championships in Concord, North Carolina.

Cliff was encouraged to enter the competition by fellow Leisure Club employee Ian Walton who himself qualified for the 2010 European Triathlon Championships this year. He explains, "I am grateful that Ian pushed me into that first Duathlon. His guidance was invaluable but Ian's enthusiasm for the development of others is typical of all the instructors and staff at Matfen Leisure. Over the years I have been a member of many gyms and Leisure Clubs but Matfen is very different. It is not a "body building centre" with ultra muscular men grunting and pumping heavy weights. Whilst there is a place for that, some people can find that atmosphere off putting. Matfen is a place where people go to get fit and maintain their fitness and have fun."

Ian and Cliff are also joined for regular training sessions by Sarah Newman, who earlier this year qualified for the UCI (Union Cycling International) Pro Downhill Mountain Biking World Cup. With its champion athletes ranging in age from 19 to 62, Matfen Hall Leisure Club is testament to the fact that age is no barrier to fitness. The club staff consider the needs of all members whatever stage they are at from beginners upwards and all are welcome regardless of their ability.
Cliff continues, "The age range is considerable. I reach the age of 63 in a few weeks and on some days I am the baby in the gym! The eldest member I believe is 81. I also instruct indoor cycling sessions (spinning) and last week I estimated the average age of a class of 12 at 55. Typical of the humour at the club we were all spinning along to the sounds of the 60's!"

Matfen Hall Hotel in the Tyne Valley has some of the foremost leisure facilities in the North East, incorporating a fitness suite with Technogym equipment, 16 metre swimming pool and more than 35 holistic and fitness classes. Leisure Manager, Peter Smith says, "As a manager I get immense satisfaction from seeing the progress that people make with their fitness here. We try to tailor what we offer and how we offer it to the membership we have. As Cliff said it is not a body building centre.

"We also enjoy a very social team atmosphere. At other Gyms people often just arrive do their bit and go. Here, many refresh themselves after their gym session or class by taking time out in the pool, sauna or ice room then relax with a drink in the Juice bar."
It is concludes Peter "A very rewarding place to work."