Reposted by Michael WoodMark Allison @rungeordierun.bsky.social · 03/10/2026Day 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. 091
Michael Wood @michaeldwood74.bsky.social · 02/10/2026Great 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.ukPlaces Leisure delivers unexpected profit for sports centres in NorthumberlandNorthumberland’s publicly owned leisure facilities have been showered with praise after the service delivered an unexpected profit. 100
Michael Wood @michaeldwood74.bsky.social · 30/09/2026The 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.ukPureGym secures refinancing deal to support expansion plansNational Fitness Day 2026 takes place on 16 September, with free gym, swim, fitness, workplace and community activities planned across the UK. 010
Michael Wood @michaeldwood74.bsky.social · 30/09/2026I'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.ukThe Premier League footballers studying to be sporting directorsKiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Taiwo Awoniyi and others have been juggling education with a football career - even studying on the team bus during away trips. 001
Michael Wood @michaeldwood74.bsky.social · 21/09/2026Every 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.ukOutdoor pool in Tonbridge will be open in autumn and winter againOperator tmactive says more than 7,000 extra swims were recorded between October and March. 020
Michael Wood @michaeldwood74.bsky.social · 08/09/2026Growth 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.ukFitness Industry Growth Report: positivity despite expansion pressuresNew Xplor Fitness & Leisure Fitness Industry Growth Report finds 74% of gym operators are growing, while rising acquisition costs, staffing, and capital pressures reshape expansion. 001
Michael Wood @michaeldwood74.bsky.social · 05/09/2026The 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 030
Michael Wood @michaeldwood74.bsky.social · 30/08/2026The 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.orgGNR Fringe - Great Run 032
Michael Wood @michaeldwood74.bsky.social · 28/08/2026The 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. 120
Michael Wood @michaeldwood74.bsky.social · 22/08/2026RB Salzburg v EHCB, KE Kelit Arena (A). Rock me Amadeus. 100
Michael Wood @michaeldwood74.bsky.social · 18/08/2026Always 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.ukDroitwich leisure centre nears completion after £15m revampThe leisure centre revamp is part of Wychavon's multi-million pound investment in Droitwich Spa. 010
Reposted by Michael WoodCarolineJMolloy @carolinejmolloy.bsky.social · 11/08/2026ITV 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!) 2246
Reposted by Michael WoodOla Løkken Nordrum @olaln.bsky.social · 06/08/2026As 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.socialrte.ieLidos, 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. 0175
Michael Wood @michaeldwood74.bsky.social · 15/08/2026Spoke 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 lidosThere are calls to bring back Nottinghamshire's lost lidos as the summer continues to be a scorcher. 12310
Michael Wood @michaeldwood74.bsky.social · 13/08/2026Expansion 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.ukEveryone Active targets expansion beyond England and public sectorEveryone 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... 000
Reposted by Michael WoodCarlton Reid @carltonreid.com · 10/08/2026Anybody 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.beThere's no one someone won't miss - Man on the street - Towards ZeroYouTube video by Transport Accident Commission Victoria 211433
Michael Wood @michaeldwood74.bsky.social · 23/07/2026A growing sea love love for KK at SJP. A beautiful tribute. 320
Michael Wood @michaeldwood74.bsky.social · 21/07/2026Strong 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.comukactive welcomes Andy Burnham as new Prime Minister | ukactiveukactive has written to Andy Burnham following his appointment as Prime Minister, outlining the opportunity to get the nation moving more. 011
Michael Wood @michaeldwood74.bsky.social · 20/07/2026From wearing Patrick books as a kid, to your transformation of #NUFC, you inspired my love of football. Rest in Peace King Kev. 1110
Michael Wood @michaeldwood74.bsky.social · 20/07/2026An 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.ukTotal Fitness research charts the fitness industry’s post-pandemic transformationIt’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. 001
Michael Wood @michaeldwood74.bsky.social · 17/07/2026As 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? 010
Michael Wood @michaeldwood74.bsky.social · 15/07/2026Good 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.comBritain’s lidos deserve this second golden age | LettersLetter: Katherine Arnott on the health and community benefits of lidos 010
Michael Wood @michaeldwood74.bsky.social · 14/07/2026New 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.ukCameron Saunders, CEO of UK Active, talks to HCM | HCM profileUK Active’s new CEO explains why he believes the sector can drive consumer engagement to double in size 020
Michael Wood @michaeldwood74.bsky.social · 13/07/2026Finally 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. 042
Michael Wood @michaeldwood74.bsky.social · 04/07/2026Report 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.comLabour MPs call on water firms to save Britain’s lost lidosGroup, whose constituencies have derelict or at-risk pools, are campaigning to make outdoor swimming available for all 152
Michael Wood @michaeldwood74.bsky.social · 02/07/2026Great 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.comA brief history of British lidos – and new hope for their return to gloryThe 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. 000
Reposted by Michael WoodCycling 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 01210
Reposted by Michael WoodFuture Lidos @future-lidos.bsky.social · 30/06/2026Thanks 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... 154
Michael Wood @michaeldwood74.bsky.social · 30/06/2026It'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! 020
Michael Wood @michaeldwood74.bsky.social · 29/06/2026Out 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. 000
Michael Wood @michaeldwood74.bsky.social · 27/06/2026The 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.comWhat 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 4232
Michael Wood @michaeldwood74.bsky.social · 26/06/2026Digital 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. 120
Michael Wood @michaeldwood74.bsky.social · 26/06/2026Isn'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..." 130
Michael Wood @michaeldwood74.bsky.social · 24/06/2026A piece of political communications for the archives. #Brexit 030
Michael Wood @michaeldwood74.bsky.social · 24/06/2026Public 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.comA brief history of British lidos – and new hope for their return to gloryThe 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. 011
Michael Wood @michaeldwood74.bsky.social · 23/06/2026Historic 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 140
Michael Wood @michaeldwood74.bsky.social · 21/06/2026Happy Fathers Day! Thanks for everything and more. Stay awesome. x 010
Michael Wood @michaeldwood74.bsky.social · 11/06/2026I'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.comBrahma - FIFA World Cup 26 TMYouTube video by Brahma 111
Michael Wood @michaeldwood74.bsky.social · 11/06/2026The 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. 120
Michael Wood @michaeldwood74.bsky.social · 06/06/2026Just 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. 010
Michael Wood @michaeldwood74.bsky.social · 06/06/2026While 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. 131
Michael Wood @michaeldwood74.bsky.social · 17/05/2026West 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. 270
Michael Wood @michaeldwood74.bsky.social · 17/05/2026Wonderful 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. 020
Reposted by Michael WoodSharpie @sharpinsky.bsky.social · 16/05/2026A 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. 23757144
Michael Wood @michaeldwood74.bsky.social · 13/05/2026While Finland will probably win #eurovision, there's lots to love about Greece's Akylas #FERTO youtu.be/G0y1sZ4CxaE?...youtu.beAkylas - Ferto (LIVE) | Greece 🇬🇷 | First Semi-Final | Eurovision 2026YouTube video by Eurovision Song Contest 000
Michael Wood @michaeldwood74.bsky.social · 12/05/2026Ominous 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! 030
Michael Wood @michaeldwood74.bsky.social · 11/05/2026Commentary 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.comUK Fitness Boom: What the 2026 UK Active Market Report Means for Energie Fitness 000