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Michael Wood

@michaeldwood74.bsky.social
461 followers 447 following 536 posts

Dad, Husband, Researcher - Sport Management @ Northumbria University, #PhD student - #Sport #Culture, #Places, #Spaces, #People. Future #Lidos co-founder. Frequently #Swimming or #Cycling. Views my own.

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Reposted by Michael Wood
Mark Allison @rungeordierun.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
Day 276 of 365 half marathons. A massive thank you to everyone who has piled on www.justgiving.com/page/rungeor... over the last 24 hours.
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Michael Wood @michaeldwood74.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Great achievement by Places Leisure in Northumberland. They had been expected to run at a loss of around £115,000 – but ended up bringing in £743,000. 8% increase in memberships cited as part of the success. Manage leisure well and people will use it. www.northumberlandgazette.co.uk/news/politic...
northumberlandgazette.co.uk
Places Leisure delivers unexpected profit for sports centres in Northumberland
Northumberland’s publicly owned leisure facilities have been showered with praise after the service delivered an unexpected profit.
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Michael Wood @michaeldwood74.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
The acceleration in leisure investment continues as Pure Gym secures over £1bn finance to grow their portfolio by 750 sites in the markets in which they operate. Founded in 2008, they have achieved almost 500 sites in the UK. wellnation.uk/blog/2026/09...
wellnation.uk
PureGym secures refinancing deal to support expansion plans
National Fitness Day 2026 takes place on 16 September, with free gym, swim, fitness, workplace and community activities planned across the UK.
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Michael Wood @michaeldwood74.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
I've had the good fortune to teach and work with a diversity of athlete scholars at @northumbriauni.bsky.social. They work hard, achieve a balance, and find that study helps their elite performance in a variety of valuable ways. No doubt that this trend continues. www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
bbc.co.uk
The Premier League footballers studying to be sporting directors
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Taiwo Awoniyi and others have been juggling education with a football career - even studying on the team bus during away trips.
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Michael Wood @michaeldwood74.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Every year we now see outdoor pools lengthening their seasons. Tonbridge are the latest to confirm their move. As we have found in activity and research for @future-lidos.bsky.social, demand exists for more access to these invaluable joyous community leisure spaces. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Outdoor pool in Tonbridge will be open in autumn and winter again
Operator tmactive says more than 7,000 extra swims were recorded between October and March.
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Michael Wood @michaeldwood74.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Growth in the fitness and leisure sector remains strong, with many owners and operators looking to expand. Marketing, memberships and innovating in group exercise classes are driving the growth. However, available sites to develop is starting to constrain. wellnation.uk/blog/2026/09...
wellnation.uk
Fitness Industry Growth Report: positivity despite expansion pressures
New Xplor Fitness & Leisure Fitness Industry Growth Report finds 74% of gym operators are growing, while rising acquisition costs, staffing, and capital pressures reshape expansion.
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Michael Wood @michaeldwood74.bsky.social · 05/09/2026
The popularity of lidos and the recognition of @future-lidos.bsky.social, alongside the wealth of community organisations is drawing in supporters from all facets of leisure. As the 2026 Summer draws to a close, look out for momentum continuing through the winter. bluconcepts.co.uk/back-in-the-...
bluconcepts.co.uk
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Michael Wood @michaeldwood74.bsky.social · 30/08/2026
The team at Great Run are presenting a phenomenal fringe of events from 7th September through to the Race on the 13th. Full details here. Lectures, coffee raves, beach yoga, book signings, shakeout runs, after show party, podcasts, and a pasta party! Get involved! www.greatrun.org/gnr-fringe/
greatrun.org
GNR Fringe - Great Run
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Michael Wood @michaeldwood74.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
The Ironman 70.3 experience has rolled into Zell am See, Austria. Expo, night race, local events, signage etc catering for athletes and their supporters. All in plenty of time for the big race on Sunday.
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Michael Wood @michaeldwood74.bsky.social · 22/08/2026
RB Salzburg v EHCB, KE Kelit Arena (A). Rock me Amadeus.
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Michael Wood @michaeldwood74.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
Always heartening to still see investments into public leisure. £15m into the facilities supporting the Droitwich Spa complex. Outdoor pool, indoor pool, pump track and skate park just some of the elements giving their offer a diverse portfolio for the community. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Droitwich leisure centre nears completion after £15m revamp
The leisure centre revamp is part of Wychavon's multi-million pound investment in Droitwich Spa.
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Reposted by Michael Wood
CarolineJMolloy @carolinejmolloy.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
ITV came to Stroud to talk about our Lido, how lucky we are to have it, and how we have to fight to keep them (and build more!)
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Reposted by Michael Wood
Ola Løkken Nordrum @olaln.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
As climate change accelerates, extreme heatwaves are becoming the new normal. Dublin and every Irish city need a heat action plan. Making our urban areas swimmable is no longer a luxury. It is a public health necessity. On @rteradio1.bsky.social this morning. @irishdocsenv.bsky.social
rte.ie
Lidos, pools & clean canals: Do we need more safe outdoor swimming spots in Ireland?
Mary McMorrow Chief Executive Officer of Swim Ireland and Dr Ola, Nordrum, member of Doctors for the Environment.
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Michael Wood @michaeldwood74.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
Spoke to BBC Notts David Pittam about lost lidos. Work figuring out Tynemouth Outdoor Pool restoration, alongside wider @northumbriauni.bsky.social and @future-lidos.bsky.social research, amplified by the heatwave, has seen 2026 focus on our public leisure spaces. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
'They shouldn't all be in London' - the call to bring back our lost lidos
There are calls to bring back Nottinghamshire's lost lidos as the summer continues to be a scorcher.
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Michael Wood @michaeldwood74.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
Expansion of leisure provision and the growth of the sector is a key customer driven trend now, beyond local authority leisure, which continues to contract - Everyone Active announcing 400 new sites and forecasted £600m additional turnover. www.healthclubmanagement.co.uk/health-club-...
healthclubmanagement.co.uk
Everyone Active targets expansion beyond England and public sector
Everyone Active is planning to expand beyond its traditional English local authority business for the first time, with managing director Duncan Jefford revealing the operator is actively exploring o...
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Reposted by Michael Wood
Carlton Reid @carltonreid.com · 10/08/2026
Anybody who thinks that road deaths *experienced by others* are somehow acceptable should watch this video and be made to suggest which members of their family should be sacrificed: youtu.be/k2tOye9DKdQ?...
youtu.be
There's no one someone won't miss - Man on the street - Towards Zero
YouTube video by Transport Accident Commission Victoria
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Reposted by Michael Wood
Michael Wood @michaeldwood74.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
#NUFC
Sky Sports campaign from mid 2000s promoting the Premier League using stars of Newcastle United.
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Michael Wood @michaeldwood74.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
A growing sea love love for KK at SJP. A beautiful tribute.
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Michael Wood @michaeldwood74.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
Strong message to @andyburnham.bsky.social from @ukactive.bsky.social to establish a long term strategy for the valuable leisure sector. Ageing facilities, especially swimming pools, undermine potential for happy socially connected people, in healthy, wealthy places. ukactive.com/news/ukactiv...
ukactive.com
ukactive welcomes Andy Burnham as new Prime Minister | ukactive
ukactive has written to Andy Burnham following his appointment as Prime Minister, outlining the opportunity to get the nation moving more.
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Michael Wood @michaeldwood74.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
From wearing Patrick books as a kid, to your transformation of #NUFC, you inspired my love of football. Rest in Peace King Kev.
Kevin Keegan at the end of #NUFC training at Maiden Castle in Durham.
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Michael Wood @michaeldwood74.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
An abundance of data from Total Fitness and @ukactive.bsky.social on emerging growth in Health and Leisure Facilities. A need for capacity and space diversity should see investment accelerate to meet consumer demands for these important third spaces. www.healthclubmanagement.co.uk/health-club-...
healthclubmanagement.co.uk
Total Fitness research charts the fitness industry’s post-pandemic transformation
It’s been five years since the fitness industry reopened after the last lockdown – long enough to look back on the impact the pandemic had on the sector and what might come next.
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Michael Wood @michaeldwood74.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
As the school hols are upon us, I drift back to my time spending 6 weeks playing football, tennis, cricket, roller hockey etc on school yards, fields and courts that are now inaccessible due to fences. Where do kids meet, hang out and play? Have these spaces been commoditised to sports camps?
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Michael Wood @michaeldwood74.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
Good comment in @theguardian.com from @kt-ot.bsky.social based on her research into the meaning of #lidos (outdoor pools) to people. More diverse sites of leisure are needed in our communities. For fun, for joy, to move together, and to gather. www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...
theguardian.com
Britain’s lidos deserve this second golden age | Letters
Letter: Katherine Arnott on the health and community benefits of lidos
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Michael Wood @michaeldwood74.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
New head of @ukactive.bsky.social Cameron Saunders believes the leisure industry can continue to grow and double over the next decade. Taking gym (facility) membership from 18% to 36% through innovation that enables it reach and connect new audiences. www.healthclubmanagement.co.uk/health-club-...
healthclubmanagement.co.uk
Cameron Saunders, CEO of UK Active, talks to HCM | HCM profile
UK Active’s new CEO explains why he believes the sector can drive consumer engagement to double in size
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Michael Wood @michaeldwood74.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
Finally time to retire the old @passpixi.bsky.social and replace with some new brighter ones. The simplest and greatest device to keep people who travel by pedal cycle safer on the roads. It works to improve the quality of passes. I'll never cycle without it.
Old and new fluorescent images of a speed camera sign suitable for cyclists. Designed and made by passpixi.com
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Michael Wood @michaeldwood74.bsky.social · 12/07/2026
James (h). Iconic and eclectic.
James perform at Mouth of the Tyne festival, 2026
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Michael Wood @michaeldwood74.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
#NUFC
Sky Sports campaign from mid 2000s promoting the Premier League using stars of Newcastle United.
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Michael Wood @michaeldwood74.bsky.social · 04/07/2026
Report by @thefabians.bsky.social @gregrosen.bsky.social campaigning for public outdoor pools in the weekend @theguardian.com. Sites of leisure, joy, place and health, such as #lidos continue to fall into the complex socio-economics returns category. Time to act? www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...
theguardian.com
Labour MPs call on water firms to save Britain’s lost lidos
Group, whose constituencies have derelict or at-risk pools, are campaigning to make outdoor swimming available for all
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Michael Wood @michaeldwood74.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
Great monthly @future-lidos.bsky.social call with plenty of progress from emerging schemes, and support from existing pools. Lots of focus on the scarce estate of outdoor pools this year, especially amplified due to the warmer weather. Finally time to act? theconversation.com/a-brief-hist...
theconversation.com
A brief history of British lidos – and new hope for their return to glory
The boom of lido construction in the 20th century was part of the post war public works programme, which aimed to create jobs and promote health.
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Reposted by Michael Wood
Cycling UK Official @cyclinguk.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
#TheBigFix is a national campaign with bike shops and clubs, including Halfords and Evans Cycles, helping more people ride again. Bring your bike to a free event for a health check and expert advice that could help you cut the cost of getting around. cyclinguk.org/bigfix
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Reposted by Michael Wood
Future Lidos @future-lidos.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
Thanks to Greg Rosen and The Fabian Society for this excellent paper, just published, which argues for lidos for all and sets out a possible road map. As @andyburnham.bsky.social said yesterday, 'Let's make it happen'. fabians.org.uk/wp-content/u...
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Michael Wood @michaeldwood74.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
It's positive to see the opportunity of public outdoor pools picked up by @thefabians.bsky.social. They have always been great distinct places of joy, community and health which are loved by the public but have been overlooked in leisure policy for decades. Their renaissance can't come soon enough!
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Michael Wood @michaeldwood74.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
Out filming iconic sports places, starting in Northumberland. Excited that project that has had many years as a concept is coming to life. We've had sunshine and wonderful participants which is all we could ask for.
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Michael Wood @michaeldwood74.bsky.social · 27/06/2026
The vast majority of Elliot Anderson's development was through his time with a range of talented #NUFC academy coaches. They are the ones who should be lauded for their diligent work to shape his ability since he joined them at 8 years old. www.theguardian.com/football/202...
theguardian.com
What is the secret to Wallsend Boys producing so many top-level football players?
Elliot Anderson is the latest in a line of successful footballers from a club that focuses on the wellbeing of young people
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Michael Wood @michaeldwood74.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
Digital content and the traffic created by rumour, ITK accounts, influencers, provocateurs etc which seeks fan engagement is now becoming as much part of the football industry as replica shirts and the actual games themselves. Any old nonsense will suffice to generate clicks, opinion and reaction.
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Michael Wood @michaeldwood74.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
Isn't this whole "Olympics of the North" bid just Northern Powerhouse / Levelling up etc in a replica shirt? Have we resorted to dressing up overdue strategic regional economic investment in a PE kit to get Whitehall cut through? "The road cycling takes in 13 miles of newly dualled A1..."
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Michael Wood @michaeldwood74.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
A piece of political communications for the archives. #Brexit
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Michael Wood @michaeldwood74.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
Public demand has always existed for accessible outdoor pools. Since 1960s leisure policy, they were slowly closed and replaced by indoor pools. We're finally seeing groups, councils and organisations finding more ways to restore and build. Plenty more work to do! theconversation.com/a-brief-hist...
theconversation.com
A brief history of British lidos – and new hope for their return to glory
The boom of lido construction in the 20th century was part of the post war public works programme, which aimed to create jobs and promote health.
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Michael Wood @michaeldwood74.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
Historic Pools picked the right day for visiting Peterborough Lido in their 90th year. A wow day and joyful venue. Fantastic to catch up with many wonderful experts from across the community who care about pools and @future-lidos.bsky.social
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Michael Wood @michaeldwood74.bsky.social · 21/06/2026
Happy Fathers Day! Thanks for everything and more. Stay awesome. x
A youthful looking Dave Wood outside his Impulse Studios sign in Wallsend, home of the NWOBHM. Picture from 1976, two years after I was born, and the year my brother was born. Which probably explains why he looks tired!
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Michael Wood @michaeldwood74.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
I'm working my way around World Cup adverts! If you weren't already in the mood for the World Cup, here's four glorious minutes of Brazilian culture from Brahma. Drink it in. Icons, Christ the Redeemer, Copacabana Beach. Sixth title for Brazil? Let yourself believe. www.youtube.com/watch?v=_THs...
youtube.com
Brahma - FIFA World Cup 26 TM
YouTube video by Brahma
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Michael Wood @michaeldwood74.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
The lower key #NUFC home kit launch isn't a surprise. We're on the eve of the World Cup so retailers will be focused on national team kit sales. We should anticipate another #adidas cultural masterpiece for an away kit as the #EPL season is upon us post world cup, and hype has space to build sales.
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Michael Wood @michaeldwood74.bsky.social · 06/06/2026
Just had an ad served up in my gmail inbox for World Cup hospitality packages. If some smart AI has been reading my emails for 2 decades, they've missed a few pertinent details to aid their targeting strategy. Or, the whole world is being encouraged to buy $2k+ game tickets. Good luck with that.
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Michael Wood @michaeldwood74.bsky.social · 06/06/2026
While my daughter was at orchestra, a great wander round North Shields and Tynemouth. Art, community projects, challenges and potential. Same again next week when the King Eddie's Stairs NSVL challenge will be in full swing! Still time to register.
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Michael Wood @michaeldwood74.bsky.social · 17/05/2026
West Ham at home is a full circle moment going back to my first ever #NUFC game in 1985. East Stand with dad, to finally see the spectacle of SJP and Newcastle United live. An explosion on the senses. Songs, smoke, pies, bovril, swearing. I'd long been a fan, but this was the baptism! HWTL.
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Michael Wood @michaeldwood74.bsky.social · 17/05/2026
Wonderful experience supporting thousands of families running at the Greggs sponsored Children's Cancer Run at Gosforth Park today. Everyone out in the cool sun putting in plenty of effort, having fun together, staying active and raising money for a fantastic cause.
Event set up at Gosforth ParkBack of volunteer green t-shirt. Here to help!Colourful print of active people on a green tshirt.
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Reposted by Michael Wood
Sharpie @sharpinsky.bsky.social · 16/05/2026
A reminder that the real patriots aren’t the ones tying flags to lampposts or standing around outside 3-star hotels. They’re the ones who get stuck in within their local communities, the volunteer, the football coach, the litter picker and myriad others.
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Michael Wood @michaeldwood74.bsky.social · 13/05/2026
While Finland will probably win #eurovision, there's lots to love about Greece's Akylas #FERTO youtu.be/G0y1sZ4CxaE?...
youtu.be
Akylas - Ferto (LIVE) | Greece 🇬🇷 | First Semi-Final | Eurovision 2026
YouTube video by Eurovision Song Contest
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Michael Wood @michaeldwood74.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
Ominous rows of desks in the usually active @northumbriauni.bsky.social Sport Central is a sure fire sign that it's exam season. Good luck to all those involved. You've got this!
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Michael Wood @michaeldwood74.bsky.social · 11/05/2026
Commentary from ENERGIE on the shifts in fitness behaviour. Fitness and health is a priority, people are embracing new (Padel, hyrox, dipclubs, runclubs, sauna etc), and making connections. Market value £6.5bn (up 10%), amplified by £7.5bn in social value. www.energiefitness.com/blog/uk-fitn...
energiefitness.com
UK Fitness Boom: What the 2026 UK Active Market Report Means for Energie Fitness
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