Whitby Folk – the general manager of Whitby Leisure Centre

Whitby is full of interesting people. Through their daily work they help keep the town ticking and help make it a great town to visit. Shoreline Cottages has interviewed a number of these ‘Whitby folk’ to find out why they love the town so much and how they think it’s changed. Today we meet David Arundell, the General Manager of the Whitby Leisure Centre.

What is your name?

David Arundell

What is you job title?

I’m the General Manager of the Whitby Leisure Centre. I’ve worked in the leisure business for about 10 years now and was a duty manager and training to become a general manager when I was in my previous role at another centre. I was offered the general manager job here last December – it was a good opportunity with good potential. I do the accounts, make sure the centre is run efficiently and manage the staff. The best part of my job is the public interaction – I like talking to people and helping them. I like the management side of the job and seeing the centre change for the good. The leisure centre has 2 swimming pools, a fitness studio, a gym and a sports hall. We offer walking football, football, hockey, netball and mini tennis. We have increased the number of our members and lessons are building but we continue to work on this. We have a good coaching team and there’s a positive atmopshere. I don’t think there is a worst part of my job.

Do you mind telling us how old you are?

I’m 32.

Have you lived in Whitby all your life?

I’m not from Whitby and my family don’t live here either – they are from Middleborough. I live outside Whitby but during the summer months I tend to stay here more oftern. I have a static caravan at the back of the abbey. I love the area.

What do you love most about Whitby?

I like the town and the community feel. Everyone knows everyone and everyone gets on.

What do you like least about Whitby?

Parking can be a bit of a nightmare and there are too many souvenir shops!

What has changed in the town over the past 10 years or so?

There are a lot more events. People regularly contact me enquiring about using the leisure centre as a base for an event. We have cycle events, Goth weekends, tattoo fairs.

In your spare time what do you like to do?

I’m a Middleborough fan so I follow football. I enjoy socialising. I don’t have my own kids yet but I’m a family man and I have a nephew and niece who I spend a lot of time with. I take them to the caravan at weekends. I would like children one day. My wife is going to train to be a paramedic so it will be a while yet before we have kids.

Will you ever leave Whitby?

I would only leave if I was offered another job elsewhere that was a promotion or the right step for my career. I love this place.