Maria Miller, MP for Basingstoke and Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, called in recently at Basingstoke Sports Centre in Festival Place.

Maria was welcomed by James Starbuck, Chief Executive of the Basingstoke Sports Trust, and Martyn Frost, Chair of the Trustee Board, who gave her a tour of the Centre and outlined the various activities available. The Centre is owned and managed by a charitable trust, which means that any surplus income is re-invested in the Trust to improve the Centre’s services, for the benefit of the local community.

Maria said: “It is always great to see the impressive facilities at the Centre and hear about the enormous range of activities on offer, including those specifically designed for children and young people, and also for older people. The Ladies Gym helps get more girls and women participating in sport.”

She added: “I was also very interested to hear about the work the Centre is doing in partnership with health care practitioners and other to help improve health and wellbeing in the local community.”