The Eclipse Leisure Centre isn’t shiny or new. It doesn’t have a palm-tree-lined infinity pool or a gold-plated sauna. It’s a bit sticky, the changing room lockers are a mystery box of "will it open?", and the hairdryers sound like a small aircraft taking off.
But it’s our place. It’s where the local swimming club holds its galas, where teenagers awkwardly flirt by the vending machines, and where you can have a proper natter in the steam room. It’s the community’s living room, just with more chlorine and slightly less upholstery.
So next time you’re heading there, just embrace the chaos. Accept that you will step in a puddle in the changing room. Forgive the guy who hogs the squat rack to check his phone. And for heaven’s sake, bring a decent lock. You’ll leave feeling better, even if you only went for the chips.
