Our HistoryWatching Olga Korbut perform in the Munich Olympics rekindled in Ray Pepper, an interest in gymnastics that had existed since boyhood. Ray had trained at a high level in sports acrobatics and he decided that he would like to become involved in gymnastics again. Ray contacted Mr Brian Steele who ran the Lakes Gymnastics Club in Windermere. He began helping at the Lakes Club and went on as many gymnastics courses as he could in order to get all the coaching qualifications possible. This involved many trips to the north east and to Lilleshall ,to gain club coach and advanced club coach qualifications. Ray realised that many of the girls were travelling to Windermere from Kendal and the villages near Kendal. He decided that he would like to set up a gymnastics club in Kendal. In 1976 Ray’s daughter, Amanda, was a pupil at Longlands School, which is now The Queen Katherine School, in Kendal. Mrs Davies, the Head, offered Ray the use of the school gym for his new gym club, on condition that if any of her pupils showed an interest in joining the gym club, a place would be available for them. Although the new club had a gym and some willing gymnasts, there was no equipment other than a few mats and a vault. Fundraising was essential and a sponsored walk was organised. The girls and supporters walked from Windermere to Kendal to get the money to buy much needed equipment. So in 1976, thanks to Ray Pepper, with the influence of Olga Korbut, Kendal Amateur Gymnastics Club was born. Ray remains the President of the club, now known as Kendal School of Gymnastics and the Club he started continues to grow and thrive. During its life the Club has been based at The Queen Katherine School, the Leisure Centre and the Judo club. In April 2000 the Club moved into its own premises next to Romneys. We hope our next move will happen in the not too distant future and will be to either much larger premises or to a purpose built gymnastics centre, where we can have a much larger range of equipment, have pits and hopefully start a boys section again. |
Gym cancelled Sunday 26. FebruaryThe morning (0930-1230) session is cancelled this Sunday as the coaches are away at a competition. Make sure you all get up early anyway and do some strengtheners at home!! Joanne's classes in the afternoon are on as usual. |
Sunday 12. February: Cumbria 2-Piece NoviceWell done to all our gymnasts who took part in the competition at Furness Gymnastics Club today. Special mention to Millie Stephenson who won 2 golds in her first ever competition, Georgia Casey with a gold on the vault and Victoria Bennett with a silver on floor. |
