Former Fisherman’s Mission area manager Karen Calder has crossed the waters to sign up as the new manager of Mallaig Pool and Leisure Centre.
A Mallaig resident whose family have been regular pool users for many years, Karen will take the reins in early December joining a small, dedicated team of staff.
Mallaig pool serves Mallaig, Morar, Arisaig, Lochailort, Acharacle, Knoydart and the Small Isles and recently celebrated its 30th anniversary.
The centre has gone through difficult times recently.
After a brief period of closure in September resulting from a shortage of qualified lifeguards, the pool is welcoming swimmers and gym users to meet the centre’s purpose of ensuring children can swim by the time they leave primary school and the community benefits from a range of health and fitness opportunities.
As a former nursery manager and special constable, Karen’s varied career has been
consistently community facing.
Mrs Calder is looking forward to the new challenge and to providing leadership to her staff team where she will be supported by a board of volunteer directors.
“I’m enthusiastic about health and fitness and coming into this role I’m keen to
hear what local people – current members and others – would like from us,” she said.
“The pool is such an important resource for this community and I know everyone involved is determined to make sure it succeeds.”
Lesley Benfield, chairperson of the board of directors, added: “Karen’s appointment marks an important stage in the development of the service we provide.
“My fellow directors and I are excited by the prospect of her joining us and we’ll do all we can to support her as she gets becomes familiar with the challenges and technical aspects of the new role.
“We hope even more local people will be attracted to what is available at the pool as Karen and the team tailor what we have to offer to suit them.”
Photograph: Karen Calder, right, is welcomed by Lesley Benfield, Mallaig Pool and Leisure board chairperson. NO_F43_MallaigPoolAndLeisure_23_KarenCalderManager_Lesley BenfieldChair