The beating heart of Kilmarnock: The Galleon Leisure Centre marks 35 years since it first opened

dailyrecord.co.uk:

It is a testament to the Galleon's long-standing legacy that some users of the leisure centre have known the staff longer than they've known their families.Recently described as the 'beating heart' of Kilmarnock, it's no wonder that the centre this month marks 35 years since its doors opened for the first time.Since May 15, 1987, the centre has been part of the fabric of the town employing thousands of locals over that time with more than half-a-million going through the doors each year.Three current members of staff, of the 130 works employed at the moment, have been there since day one.Receptionist Christine Ridout, 65, has worked at the front counter for the whole of the leisure centre's life so far.The mum of two even worked alongside her son at the centre for a period of time.Christine, who lives in Crosshouse, said: "I was originally going to apply for a part-time cleaning job and then the reception one came up and I got that."When I started here I was full-time and three years later I went on maternity leave and my son actually worked in here when he was older."I really enjoy my work.

I worked with a lot of members of staff and quite a few managers too."There are customers that have been coming here for years and you can build a good rapport with them and have a bit of banter and a laugh with them."Christine, who's set to retire in January, recalled the first day the centre was open: "Reception was really busy.

At one point we were letting people in and we ran out of lockers and we didn't have change for lockers either."Chivonne Houston-Smith, who turned 60 earlier this month, is still teaching 12 aerobic classes each week and has no intention to stop anytime soon.Initially juggling 25 aerobic classes every week,