Eighty-year-old twin sisters Jenny Brackley and Alison Hubbard are inspiring generations of swimmers at Royston Leisure Centre, proving that age really is just a number.
Between them, the pair – who live locally - have more than three decades of teaching experience at the centre, which is managed by Everyone Active in partnership with North Herts Council.
Alison has been teaching at the pool since it opened more than 20 years ago, while Jenny joined her 15 years ago after swapping office life for a more active career.
Before joining the leisure centre, the pair had already spent many years teaching swimming at their local school, meaning their combined experience stretches well beyond their time at Royston Leisure Centre.
“I’ve always liked swimming, going to the gym, walking and running,” said Jenny. “I’d had enough of being in an office, so I decided to do my teaching qualification - and I’ve never looked back. I love the teaching; I don’t want to stop. But I also want to keep fit, stay healthy and keep my body moving.”
For Alison, swimming was always a natural fit. “I came into swimming because it was always a hobby which I enjoyed,” she said. “It’s lovely and a very gratifying feeling. We’re now getting children coming through to learn to swim where we’ve already taught their parents - and now we’re teaching their children too!”
Jenny and Alison’s passion for staying active started early. “When we were little, we were always outside - climbing trees, you name it, we had a go,” said Jenny. “It’s just carried on really.”
These days, both sisters keep up regular fitness routines alongside their teaching. Jenny describes the gym as her “heaven” and “place of solace” while Alison visits around three times a week and still swims regularly. “I don’t train as heavy as I used to,” added Jenny, “but I love going to the gym – it’s where I feel at home.”
Their energy and enthusiasm continue to inspire staff and members at the centre - including several colleagues who first learned to swim with the twins years ago.
“Jenny and Alison are fantastic ambassadors for the ‘Age is Just a Number’ campaign and much-loved members of our team,” said Daniel Peddar, General Manager at Royston Leisure Centre. “Their enthusiasm and commitment to helping others enjoy swimming are truly inspiring. Many of our current colleagues were first taught to swim by the twins, which shows just how far-reaching their impact has been over the years.
“They’re a huge part of the Royston community and a shining example of how staying active keeps both the body and mind young.”Jenny believes that keeping active is key to feeling good at any age.
“I know we’re now 80, but if you don’t keep moving, and you don’t eat well and exercise, your body’s not going to work,” she said. “When I wake up in the morning, I’m just thankful that I’m here for another day.
“People our age and younger sometimes just give up - and that’s a great shame. It needs people like us to say, ‘come on guys, get up and give it a go. You’re never too old to start something new.’ Age is just a number.” Cllr Amy Allen, Executive Member for Environment at North Herts Council, said:
“Jenny and Alison are a real inspiration. Their passion for swimming and helping others shows that keeping active is something we can all enjoy at any age. They’ve made such a positive impact on so many people in Royston over the years – it’s wonderful to see their energy and love for what they do still shining through.”
Their story is being shared as part of Everyone Active’s ‘Age is Just a Number’ campaign, which runs throughout October and November to inspire older adults to stay active and socially connected.
To find out more about the campaign and watch a video featuring Jenny and Alison, visit: www.everyoneactive.com/promotion/ageisjustanumber.