In honour of International Women’s Day on 8 March, we asked our members to nominate a member of the David Lloyd Clubs team they’d like to recognise and thank for all the hard work and effort.
The result? Hundreds of lovely messages championing women across the company, from our motivational and compassionate personal trainers, to our friendly and welcoming receptionists.
What we realised? Just how lucky we are to have such a powerful and talented group of women help run our clubs.
Here are just a few of the thoughtful nominations we received:
“I would like to nominate Pamela Young at David Lloyd Hamilton. Without a doubt the best instructor I’ve ever had the pleasure of being in class with. Extremely knowledgeable, non-judgemental and can teach many different classes to all levels, ages etc. I’ve been in the industry myself as an instructor for 20 years and Pamela is always a standout for me.”
Lisa, David Lloyd Hamilton
“I nominate Paula Harvey from David Lloyd Coventry. She has been at the club whilst I’ve been a member and exemplifies their values every day and is just amazing at what she does. She is the person who welcomes me, says goodbye and just stands out for her friendliness and general sunny demeanour. She deserves recognition.”
Manjinder, David Lloyd Coventry
“I would like to nominate Collette Griffiths, the F&B Manager at David Lloyd Cheadle. In January 2018, Col got me in to the gym as I was in a low mood. I believe this saved me mentally and physically. Since joining I have lost three stone, however that was just a by-product of me attending to keep my mind healthy. I don’t think she will ever know what she did for me last year! My 9-year son is also a member and he gets so much confidence by attending the club multiple times a week. He loves his tennis class. Thank you again Col.”
Jane Marie, David Lloyd Cheadle
“I nominate Cathie Quinlan at David Lloyd Cardiff. She is an instructor who is motivational, supportive and an incredible role model. All her classes are brilliant but her yoga class in particular has genuinely helped me cope and try and process the passing of my father recently. She’s brilliant!”
Claire, David Lloyd Cardiff
“I would like to nominate Alex who works on reception at David Lloyd Newhaven Harbour in Edinburgh. She has the ability to cheer everyone on arrival whist still managing a very busy front desk. No idea how she does it.”
Ian, David Lloyd Edinburgh Newhaven Harbour
“I would nominate Kirsty Whitlock at David Lloyd York, a much-loved, incredibly kind, inspiring and long-serving instructor (Body Combat, Body Pump, Step, Legs Bums and Tums, Stretch and Blaze). She is the pillar of our little community and an ear/shoulder to so many people. Everyone is made to feel both welcome, included and successful in her classes. She is always the first to lift other women up and help them to believe in themselves. The knock-on effect that she has through each session she teaches must be huge! We all walk out happier, healthier and with more friends. Finally, she is hilarious, fun and self-deprecating, which means her classes never feel like a chore – you just want to do them every day.”
Nikki, David Lloyd York
“I would like to nominate Emily Robb who is a lifeguard at David Lloyd Kings Hill – an amazing swimmer and a lovely person. Always smiling and nothing is ever too much trouble – David Lloyd is fortunate to have her as an employee!”
Elaine, David Lloyd Kings Hill
“I would like to nominate the wonderful personal trainer Ivi at David Lloyd Finchley. She has absolutely transformed my life. I feel healthier physically and mentally. She spends time planning every session and comes with a different plan thought out specially for me. She pays extra attention and is always energetic and there to push me if I think something will be too challenging. I can’t thank her enough for all her support and help.”
Farnoush, David Lloyd Finchley
“I would like to nominate my trainer Abbi Haywood at David Lloyd Newcastle. After getting a knee replacement at 55, Abbi carefully tailored sessions to what I was and wasn’t able to do, researching exercises and routines to suit my recovery and gradually and sensibly push me towards my goal. At 6 months post-op I am close to normal all thanks to the care and attention given by Abbi. She combines excellence in her knowledge and skill base with a wonderfully personable manner, encouraging and congratulating in equal measure, but also always after careful evaluation, pushing harder to make sure I get the results I want to achieve. Thank you, Abbi.”
Steve, David Lloyd Newcastle
“I would like to nominate Aileen my personal trainer at David Lloyd Newhaven Harbour. She has been an absolute lifeline. Her bright personality and gentle but firm approach to my training makes sessions an absolute pleasure. She is helpful and flexible with my needs and my busy diary and always has a friendly professional approach. She seems to know intuitively how to make me push myself that little bit harder in a very safe way, always there to support and guide rather than push or badger. She has embodied the David Lloyd Clubs ethos and has made us feel like valued customers and almost friends without crossing professional limits. She also trains my son and husband and has laid some strong foundations for our family’s health and wellbeing.”
Lindsay, David Lloyd Edinburgh Newhaven Harbour
“I nominate Fran Merrell, a personal trainer at David Lloyd Worcester. She is the most amazing personal trainer. Her sessions are fun, full of laughter, exhausting and effective. Fran has supported me through various exercise plans and is constantly challenging me. In one year of training with her I have lost so much weight and toned up. My weight is now healthy and stable, and I can see muscles and tone developing before my eyes. I would have never managed this on my own – PT sessions are well worth the money and Fran is a credit to David Lloyd Clubs.”
“Pauline at David Lloyd Liverpool Speke is my nomination. There are 4 reasons for this. Firstly, Pauline works holistically: she realises that mind, body and spirit are closely related, integrating ideas about nutrition with physical training, both in and out of the pool. Secondly, Pauline is creative: she adapts and invents, including musically, according to clients’ needs and this keeps her training fresh and spontaneous. Thirdly, she has a great sense of humour which is infectious and helps clients relax and have fun. Finally, she has a great team spirit which means that her classes tend to bond into caring, friendly groups. The combination of all these features is really special.”
Alison, David Lloyd Liverpool Speke
Thank you to everyone who took the time to write in and nominate someone. And more importantly, thanks to all the wonderful women of David Lloyd Clubs and happy International Women’s Day!
Comments by George