New keep fit equipment unveiled at Beccles Lido ahead of opening

By Amy Smith

Published: 6:30 AM May 1, 2016

Updated: 8:10 PM October 10, 2020

The new outdoor gym equipment at Beccles Lido. Pictured is Beccles mayor Hugh Taylor with lido directors Maureen Saunders and Suzanne Gibbons and lido volunteers Julia Murray and Matthew Ife. PHOTO: Nick Butcher - Credit: Nick Butcher

Final preparations are under way for the opening of Beccles Lido next month, with some exciting new facilities being installed.

This week the lido team unveiled the new all-weather exercise equipment, which includes an arm and pedal bike, air walker and elliptical cross trainer.

It was paid for with a grant from Community Action Suffolk’s HealthEast Healthy Communities Fund, along with a £1,000 donation from Beccles man Douglas Peck, which paid for the all-weather surface for the equipment.

The money was presented to Mr Peck, 86, by the High Sheriff of Suffolk, who gave him a Lifetime Achievement award for his dedication to Beccles. Mr Peck said he was “honoured” to donate the money in support of the hard work of all the lido volunteers.

The equipment has been designed and developed by sports and exercise professionals to provide strength, cardiovascular and flexibility, as well as balance and co-ordination for all the major muscle groups.

It is suitable for all ages and abilities.

Lido director Maureen Saunders said: “We have installed many facilities for the youngsters but we have wanted for a long time to do something for our silver surfers, and we hope that this new equipment will extend the range of exercise that they can enjoy at the lido.”