March 2006 - Ian McKie, Head of Leisure Services TVBC

The diversity of leisure services in Test Valley and the broad ‘Business of Leisure’ was the subject of Andover Women in Business Club’s March meeting.  Addressing a fascinated audience at the Keystone Hall, Ian McKie, Head of Leisure Services for Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC), enlightened members and guests with the extent of the importance of Tourism to the area.

Representing 10% of the United Kingdom’s employment, Leisure is a huge business, with creative industries turning over in excess of £60 billion annually and providing 1.4 million jobs.  The industry, including arts, theatre, sports and other creative activities, is also a major employer in the Test Valley, providing 2,700 jobs and bringing £125 million revenue to the area.

The Leisure Services remit for Test Valley is wide ranging, providing amongst other things, 43 sports pitches, 74 playgrounds, 6 lakes, 4 nature reserves, 7 allotment sites, 4 cemeteries and 7 parks. TVBC introduced the first children’s playground specifically designed for use by disabled children, which is accepted as a model of best practice and attracts attention from other councils nationally.

Statistics about the diversity of the Leisure Services Department’s work were staggering, with the Borough’s landscaping department growing 100,000 plants annually to provide for its roundabout sites and parks and its responsibility for more than 40,000 trees,.  “In addition we have been working with the Environment Agency,” Ian commented, “and are very proud to have successful reintroduced otters back to the River Avon and increased the number of other threatened species.”

Members were keen to hear of developments with Andover’s new theatre ‘Lights’, which will boast a dance studio, café and bar and an arena which will hold up to 3,600 in addition to its refurbished theatre.  Work has begun on the project and opening is intended for the Autumn. 

Talking of sports in the area and the success of Valley Leisure’s award-

winning leisure centre in Andover, Ian cited the 2012 Olympics as an opportunity to bring money to the area, with athletes needing accommodation and training areas prior to the Games beginning. 

But Ian did not talk only of the practicalities of his Department’s role and its involvement with health and fitness. He talked of ‘positive psychology’, a new science of well-being and psychology – A Recipe for Happiness.  He explained it is a means by which people can help determine their own health by the lifestyle they lead and the knock-on effects, such as reducing pressure on the National Health Service. People should work towards goals, investing in the things they value, in turn making them happier and more motivated.

With a large turnout, the Club was also holding a Networking & Guests Evening, with ten members displaying their goods and services and extra time given before and after dinner for members to talk to one another about what their businesses have to offer.  Two new members were welcomed to the Club and guests at the evening given the opportunity to see what the Club has to offer them.

Andover Women in Business Club meets again on Tuesday, 4th April at Sambucca Italian Restaurant, Andover for a meeting with speaker Reverend Derek Overfield talking about his work as an Industrial Chaplain and the wide benefits it brings to employees in Andover.  The Club always welcomes new members, who may attend in the first instance as a guest.

For more information about the Club and how to attend the April meeting as a guest, please contact Tessa Makepeace on 01264 772415