Roy’s recreational retirement

Bridgend resident Roy Thomas has found a new lease of life in retirement, using the local library and leisure facilities to learn new skills and keep active.

On retiring, Roy decided that he was going to embrace the digital era and took advantage of the Learn direct digital sessions at Sarn library. Through the courses Roy has developed skills in using applications such as PowerPoint, Excel and Publisher and has gained confidence in communicating online.

Next on Roy’s ‘to do list’ in retirement was to get fitter, and he began to regularly visit his local Halo Leisure facility, Bridgend Life Centre, to use the gym and pool and to access classes such as Group Cycling (Spinning) and Pilates.

Three years into retirement, Roy completed the Cardiff Half Marathon, raising money for the Y Bwythin Newydd Ward at the Princess of Wales Hospital in Bridgend. Additionally, Roy has since taken part in a Spinathon at Bridgend Life Centre, raising more funds for the Y Bwthin Newydd Ward, which helps people with cancer and their families.

By taking part in various activities at Bridgend Life Centre, formerly known as Bridgend Recreation Centre, Roy has increased his fitness, achieved lifelong ambitions and met new friends. The theory that people should retire to slow down and do less has certainly been flipped on its head in Roy’s case – instead he is using it as an opportunity to do all the things he couldn’t fit in while working as an engineer for over 40 years!

Joining a local leisure centre can be a great way to meet people, create new social groups and help you keep active. Some people who have been inactive for a long period may feel apprehensive about visiting a leisure centre full of ‘fit’ people, but as Roy found out, it was easy join in with others and there is something for people of all abilities within Bridgend County Borough’s leisure services.