to our September newsletter. We have had a very busy few months putting together our new DVD on the programme; finalising the September-December 2015 booklet; confirming new sessions and planning for our 2nd Birthday Party Event. Read on to find out more...

Can you believe that the activ8teme programme has been running for 2 years?

We would like to thank all of our activ8teme members, partnership organisations and staff for helping to support our programme so far.

We hope you will join us on Friday 11 September, 6pm-9pm at Heywood Civic Centre.

The FREE event will include:

• FREE drink on arrival
• FREE goodie bag
• FREE refreshments
• FREE taster sessions by our activ8teme instructors (Laura Taylor, Laura Nugent, Taira Booth and Tracey Szynamek)
• Speakers from participants who have benefited from the programme
• A presentation on the programme
• Licenced Bar
• Quiz, raffle, music and lots more

For catering purposes please text (07976 498629) or email (sarah.shard@link4life.org) before Friday 4 September to confirm you can make it (it's not compulsory to book ahead and you can just turn up on the night - but it will help if you do).

We hope to see you there!!

Jeff Brooks is one of the thousands of people who has been attending our activ8teme sessions for several months. Jeff in particular, has tried out a large variety of different sessions including: Cardio Combat, Circuits and Yoga and loves the aspect of it being a low cost, 'pay as you go' programme.

Jeff said, "I started doing the Yoga to stay supple. At my age, it's not about getting fitter its about controlling your breathing and being more relaxed. The Yoga in particular has helped me as my job includes driving in busy rush hour traffic in the city centre and it reminds me to breath calmly. 

The programme is brilliant, I love the fact that there is no direct debit scheme as it's often difficult to get to classes so you can just turn up whenever you like without having any commitments. The thing I like about the programme is that all ages of people come to the classes, there are people the same age as me and on the same level. I hope the scheme continues as I think it's magic and I hope other people decide to take up on these great classes which have such a community feel to them."

In this month's newsletter we hear from Zumba instructor, Laura Nugent:

"Teaching Zumba brightens up my week. I've been in the Health and Fitness Industry for over 10 years specialising in Childhood Obesity, Nutrition and Physical Activity.  In 2011, I fell into Zumba when a colleague suggested my personality and dance background fitted the bill and I should give it a go and I'm still absolutely loving it.  My smile and giggles are all genuine and I couldn't think of anything I'd rather do.  The added bonus is seeing real people enjoying it so much and benefiting in so many different ways.

The activ8teme classes are fabulous for improving fitness, increasing confidence and mood but most of all, having fun with other amazing people from the borough.  It's a privilege to be involved in these sessions within different communities and promoting exercise for all, regardless of age, fitness level, background or ethnicity.  For those who have made a class, thank you and for those who haven't yet, come along and join the fun!"

Laura currently teaches 2 activ8teme sessions per week on the activ8teme programme:

• Zumba: Wednesdays 7pm-8pm at Milnrow Working Men's Club, £2
• Zumba Gold: Thursdays 10.30am at Heywood Civic Centre, £1.50

This year's Zumbathon was a huge success. The activ8teme programme supported our instructor, Laura Taylor to make it a great day.  60 people turned up and £450 was raised for The Christie's Cancer Charity.

Event organiser, Laura said, "I was overwhelmed by the turnout at the Zumbathon this year.  It certainly was 3 hours crammed full of fun.  The atmosphere in the room was amazing and everybody danced their socks off.  It isn't easy arranging an event like this so it's wonderful to see it all finally come together.  Of course my thanks goes to Sarah at activ8teme for all of her support and the team of instructors on the day who gave up their time to help me.  I look forward to doing it all again next year!"

To view our 2 minute video of the Zumbathon, please click here.

It's that time of the year where the borough of Rochdale is getting ready to recognise and celebrate its own sporting and culture heroes!

If you know a 'Person', 'Club' or 'Organisation' that has made a difference through sports and culture in your neighbourhood or community, then make sure you nominate them for the Rochdale Borough Sports and Culture Awards 2014-15.  To find out more, or to nominate somebody, please click here.

On Friday 11 September, we will be holding a raffle at our activ8teme Birthday Party Event to raise funds for Christie's.  If you are able to donate any prizes to the raffle, please contact Sarah on 07976 498629 before Friday 4 September.

Rochdale Ladies Hockey Club are looking for new players.  Training is on Tuesday's 8pm-9pm at Oulder Hill Leisure Centre and matches are throughout the weekends.  All ages and abilities welcome.  For more information, please contact Emily on 07709 846 959.