The Friendship Cafe
The Friendship Cafe
109-113 Barton Street
Gloucester GL1 4HR
ph: (01452) 308127
alt: Registered charity no.1098562
gymnatio
Swimming
Fitness & Fun at GL1
Swimming each week is one of our most popular activities. It was originally arranged on an ad-hoc basis by Haroon Kadodia and Ismail Ginwalla MBE at the old leisure centre in the early nineties, long before the Friendship Cafe was established. However, since the new GL1 was opened in 2002, we have had regular sessions for both males and females.
The public sessions are not used by our users because the sessions are mixed as well as the shower and changing facilities. All our sessions have same sex life guards, without public spectators or cctv on.
Some of users have qualified as lifeguards whilst others have qualified as either swimming Helpers or Assistant Swimming Instructors.
Many users have come along as complete beginners or very weak swimmers but now swim 1km (40 lengths) each session.
Did you know?
...swimming is one of the sports specifically recommended in Islamic traditions as a useful pastime! (the others are Archery, Horse riding and wrestling!)
Child Safety
We strongly advise all children to attend with an adult guardian who stays with them at all times. We cannot be responsible for your children like a school. We simply hire the pool for our members. Please note that parents and guardians remain responsible for their children and should take care of them at all times.
GL1 leisure Centre also has its own adult to child saftey ratio of one adult per 2 children under 8.
Dress code:
males - knee length shorts - no speedos, thongs or other excuses to expose your bare cheeks!
females - t-shirts and leggings (various versions of modest swim suits are available on the internet, one is known as the 'burkini' but there are cheaper versions).
the dress code does not apply to very small children, under 8.
Men /Boys
Tuesdays 8:15 - 9:15 pm
(Volunteer Munaf teaches during the 1st half hour on most sessions to beginners/anyone wanting to improve).
Sundays 11am - 12 noon
Women / Girls
Saturdays 5 - 6pm
Sundays 9 -10 am
All sessions are held in the Twyver pool at GL1 Leisure Centre
Cancellations! We have the sessions booked throughout the year apart from the Ramadhan or Eid festivals. However, GL1 holds various galas or events which means that our sessions are cancelled and GL1 becomes GLzero. Please check with the appropriate organiser before you turn up. Cancellations are usually known at least a month in advance and see bknown dates below.
contacts
Male swimming - Imran 07977 022 393
Females -
Saturdays, Ruby 07588 275004
Sundays, Sabina 078246 42414
CONFIRMED CANCELLATIONS 2010
1st Tuesday of the month from October to March inclusive.
Saturdays 13th Mar, 17th April, 1st & 8th May, 12th & 19th June, 3rd July, 2nd & 16th Oct, 4th & 25th Dec.
Sundays 14 Mar, 11th Apr, 2nd & 9th May, 20th Jun, 4th jul, (20th June&25th July - male sessions only) 3rd Oct, 7th Nov, 5th, 19th & 26th Dec
all Ramadhan -
Note: if you travel by car, park in the right spot as there have been tickets issued - even on Sundays!
The Friendship Cafe
109-113 Barton Street
Gloucester GL1 4HR
ph: (01452) 308127
alt: Registered charity no.1098562
gymnatio
