The Hive's 8th Birthday Celebrations!

A brilliant day all round, every activity on the schedule saw strong participation, and the atmosphere across the building was exactly what we hoped for; busy, positive and community‑focused. The fitness challenges, soft play, arts and crafts, swimbies, CPR training and the fire brigade’s water‑safety session all ran smoothly and were well received by customers. Feedback throughout the day was consistently positive. 

The fitness challenge alone saw 23 participants, and together they achieved the 8,000‑rep community target, which created a great moment for both staff and customers. 

We were pleased to welcome Martin Grey, Leisure & Active Lifestyles Manager at East Cambridgeshire District Council, who joined us for the 1pm cake‑cutting. He spent time speaking with staff and customers, and it was clear he appreciated seeing the centre so active and well supported. 

We were also supported by several partners who helped strengthen the community feel of the day: 

The fire brigade, who attended and delivered an engaging water‑safety talk, which families found both useful and enjoyable. 

The east anglian air ambulance, who provided CPR training, giving customers a valuable hands‑on opportunity to learn lifesaving skills. 

Their involvement added real value to the day and was noted by many customers. 

The Ely Standard published a feature on the anniversary, highlighting the free activities and the role The Hive plays in the local community. This coverage helped shine a light on the work happening here and the impact the team continues to make.

A second reason to celebrate - alongside marking eight years of The Hive, we were also able to celebrate a significant milestone for the future of the facility. GLL and East Cambridgeshire District Council have agreed a five‑year extension, confirming GLL will continue to operate The Hive until 2035. This is a strong endorsement of the centre’s performance and the value it provides to the community.