Our Aquatics Manager celebrates 20 years of working at the centre

If you’ve visited the Aquadrome any time in the past two decades, chances are you’ve seen this smiling face before. For those that know the face but not the name, this is Jan Osborne, Aquatics Manager, who celebrates 20 years' working at the centre this week.

Jan actually taught the first ever aqua aerobics class in the Aquadrome pool way back in 2002. Since then, she’s worked in a variety of roles, both in the pool and in the gym. She’s been a swimming teacher, ran various workout classes, overseen the over 50s scheme in the gym - always giving her all and doing it with a smile.

In her time, Jan estimates she has taught and helped over 60,000+ children and adults learn to swim. Around 30 children Jan taught over the years have gone on to become swimming teachers and lifeguards themselves at the Aquadrome.

Jan said “it’s been an absolute pleasure to have helped so many people learn one of life’s most important skills over the years. What’s even more wonderful is to have seen many children I taught return with their children. I would like to say thank you to everybody I have helped, both young and old. The enthusiasm, determination and patience that I see make my working life an absolute pleasure.”

Jan was also responsible for setting up the GP Referral Scheme, which is now so successful at the centre, and another highlight from her career is the fact that she’s the lady who set up the first Cardiac Rehab Scheme at the Aquadrome, which has helped so many people over the years return to fitness after a cardiac episode.

Alan Elliot, Projects Director added “Jan is the epitome of everything we stand for as a facility and wider organisation that aims to meet the needs of the communities that we serve. Over the years Jan has touched the lives of so many, from providing them with a vital life skill in swimming, to ensuring they are fit to enjoy their lives, despite having challenges to maintain their health, and pretty much everything in between”.

Hazel Tilbury Chair Basingstoke & Deane Community Leisure Trust commented “Nothing is ever too much for Jan and everything she does is done with a smile on her face. She is the heartbeat of so much that we deliver here in Basingstoke. Congratulations on the work anniversary!”

As you can see Jan continues to smile and still teaches local people Aquafit twice a week, and swimming lessons every day. Perhaps Jan taught you or your child to swim? Why not drop us a comment on our Facebook channel.