May Venue Circular
- 22 hours ago
- 6 min read
Download our May Venue Circular as a PDF or read all news articles below (mobile friendly option) - forthcoming news and events occurring at Venue 360.
Our Top Stories
A Successful Event – Thank You to Dean Blackett & Crew
We are delighted to share the success of our recent event, which was made possible thanks to the incredible efforts of Dean Blackett and his team.
With 150 guests attending on Bank Holiday Sunday 5th April, the event ran seamlessly, showcasing excellent organisation, teamwork, and a real commitment to delivering a fantastic experience for everyone involved.
A special thank you goes to the whole team for their hard work behind the scenes, ensuring everything came together so smoothly. Their dedication and positive attitude played a huge part in making the event such a success.
Well done to everyone involved - we look forward to many more great events ahead!
Hospitality & Events Team Update
We are pleased to announce key changes to the venue’s Hospitality & Events team, strengthening our ability to deliver exceptional events and hospitality experiences.
Following a successful interim period, Cheryl Oggelsby has been appointed Head of Hospitality & Events, overseeing both our Hospitality operation and Events Office.
Carolyne Barber has taken up a new role as Events Office Manager (30 hours per week), leading the day‑to‑day organisation of the Events Office, while Faith Donaldson has moved into the position of full-time Events Bookings Co‑ordinator, bringing valuable hospitality and administrative experience to the role.
Now up to full strength, the events office will be staffed primarily Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm, with additional availability early evenings and on Saturdays to support show rounds and client meeting appointments.
Congratulations and good luck to all three of you in these roles!
Marathon Achievement – Raimond & Jason
A huge congratulations to Raimond and Lifelines member Jason for completing the London Marathon! Raimond completed in an incredible 4hours 32 minutes, whilst Jason 2 minutes ahead, completing in 4 hours and 30 seconds!
This was the first marathon for both of them - an incredible achievement that reflects months of dedication and hard work. We’re proud to have you representing Lifelines!
Play On After Dark: New LED Lights on the Tennis Courts
We’re delighted to announce that the outdoor tennis lighting has recently been upgraded to energy efficient LED lights, enhancing the playing experience for all tennis players.
The new LED lighting provides brighter and more consistent illumination across the courts, making it easier to follow the ball and enjoy play - particularly during evening sessions and in lower light conditions. Better visibility helps improve performance and contributes to a more enjoyable match!
Changing over to LED lighting also brings several benefits such as the lights switching on instantly with no warm up time, reduced glare and light spill across courts, and they are more energy efficient and have a better lifespan than traditional lighting.
Don’t miss out - book now and enjoy longer, brighter tennis sessions this spring and summer!
In Other News...
Friday Evening Special Offer!
Host your event at Venue 360’s Riverside Suite with a 6-hour Friday hire (6pm–12am) for only £850.
Includes: Room hire, LED dancefloor (subject to availability), staffed bar, AV, and seating for up to 270 guests.
Extend to 1am (extra fee).
Spend £4,000+ at the bar and get £200 cashback.
Available for bookings up until 31st October 2026 (excl. bank holidays)
Book or enquire now to avoid disappointment – email: events@venue360.co.uk or call: 01582 748225, and let’s start planning something extraordinary! Terms & Conditions apply.
Freshly Baked: Croissants & Cookies Now Available
We are delighted to introduce a delicious addition to our offering - freshly baked croissants and cookies, perfect for any time of day.
Our vegan friendly raspberry filled, flaky croissants are baked to golden perfection, making them an ideal choice for a quick breakfast or a light snack alongside your favourite coffee. For those with a sweet tooth, our selection of cookies delivers the perfect balance of crisp edges and soft centres, with flavours everyone will love - from only £1!
Whether you are stopping by for a morning pick-me-up or an afternoon treat, our croissants and cookies are the perfect way to indulge.
Be sure to try them on your next visit - we promise they will not disappoint!
They are Back: Smoothies & Iced Coffees
Great news - your favourites have returned! Our refreshing smoothies and iced coffees are back and ready to keep you cool and energised.
Whether you’re craving a fruity smoothie packed with flavour or a perfectly chilled iced coffee to give you that extra boost, we have got just the thing. Made with quality ingredients and served ice-cold, they are the perfect pick-me-up for warmer days or whenever you need a refreshing break.
Stop by and treat yourself - because nothing beats a classic comeback!
Available now - do not miss out!
Jeff Edwards Releases His First Book Sale
Many of you will know Jeff, who regularly trains in the gym and attends our Senior Conditioning class. Jeff has just released his first book, offering a fascinating inside look at some of Britain’s biggest crimes.
Nicknamed “The Murder Guy,” Jeff built his career as the Daily Mirror’s Chief Crime Correspondent, often arriving first at major crime scenes across the country.
His book, The Murder Guy, is now available at Waterstones and on Amazon. Be sure to check it out and support one of our own!
Joy Takes on Pro HYROX
Massive congratulations to Lifelines instructor Joy, who competed in the elite Pro HYROX category and finished in an outstanding time of 1 hour 49 minutes.
The Pro division is the most demanding level of HYROX competition, making this achievement even more impressive. Brilliant work, Joy!
Challenge of the Month
How many crunches can you do in 1 minute?
Using our new decline bench, your goal is to complete as many crunches as possible within one minute. This challenge is a great way to test and improve your core strength and stability.
Ask an instructor to time your attempt - and good luck!
Fitness Focus: High vs Low Impact Training
Understanding the difference between high and low impact exercise can help you train smarter and stay injury-free.
High impact exercises (such as running, skipping, and plyometrics) involve both feet leaving the ground at the same time. These movements are great for improving bone density and building strength.
Low impact exercises (including walking, cycling, and rowing) are gentler on the joints while still delivering excellent cardiovascular and bone health benefits.
If you’re new to exercise, managing joint issues, recovering from injury, or simply looking for a safer starting point, low-impact training is a great way to build strength and confidence before progressing to higher-intensity workouts.
Exercise of the Month: Back Raise
Using our brand new Technogym decline bench, this month’s featured exercise is the Back Raise.
This movement strengthens your posterior chain - including glutes, hamstrings, core, and lower back - helping improve posture and reduce the risk of injury.
How to perform the Back Raise:
Secure your feet at the base of the bench
Position your legs firmly against the pads
Keeping a neutral spine, slowly lower and raise your upper body
If you’re unsure, please ask one of our instructors for guidance or a demonstration - we’re always happy to help.
From Guesswork to Great Parking
We’ve recently tidied things up outside with a fresh re-lining of our car park, making the parking easier for everyone.
The newly painted markings make parking spaces clearer, help traffic flow smoothly, and take the guesswork out of where to park. And for those who may have been discovering their own routes around the car park, you’ll be pleased to know the one way system is now much easier to follow.
Celebrating Progress - Ataru Shotokan Karate & Harpenden JKA Grading
Last month, our sports hall hosted a karate grading event, drawing an excellent turnout of students and supporters. The positive and encouraging atmosphere provided a great setting for students to demonstrate their skills and achieve their next belt.
Students of all levels showed off their dedication and skill, delivering some excellent performances. From precise techniques to confident demonstrations, it was clear just how much hard work had gone into preparing for the grading.
Well done to everyone involved!
Sacha’s Mighty Hike for Macmillan
Our receptionist Sacha is taking on a 26-mile Mighty Hike along the Gower Peninsula this June, raising funds for Macmillan Cancer Support.
Sacha was inspired to take part after losing her dad in 2025 following a five-year battle with cancer. The support her family received from Macmillan’s palliative care team made a lasting difference, and now she’s giving back to help others facing similar challenges.
Sacha’s aiming to raise £250 - every donation will help ensure no one has to face cancer alone.
Read Sacha’s story in her own words and support her fundraising here, visit
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