DLJ Gymnastic Club, in Strood, gets ready for lockdown easing
09:53, 11 March 2021
updated: 09:57, 11 March 2021
Hundreds of young gymnasts are gearing up to return to one of Medway's most popular clubs.
Doors are due to open at the DLJ Gymnastic Club, based at Strood Academy, where more than 800 members from the age of four are eager to get back in action.
Started by husband-and-wife team Danielle and Ian Wells-Gaston with just a handful of youngsters in 2007, through word-of-mouth it has gone from strength-to-strength.
They soon outgrew their small hall at the secondary school in Carnation Road and moved to a bigger premises within the building where they hold classes six days a week. During lockdown they have been given access to grounds at High Halstow and Borstal Cricket Clubs for outdoor practice.
Ian hopes that with the Tokyo Olympics now back on the agenda, they might see an increase in young people enrolling.
Ian said: "Like all small businesses, lockdown has had a massive effect.
"We've been doing our best to keep in touch with our members and parents throughout this time via Zoom sessions, online competitions and outdoor gymnastics last summer to keep the children engaged and to support them during lockdown."
Danielle and Ian both teach at the club along with 10 part-time coaches.
The couple, both aged 35, live in Halling with their two- year-old son Luca.
Interested in joining? Visit www.dljgymnastics.com or email theteam@dljgymnastics.com
