Young at heart Marjorie Morgan is still visiting her beloved Rhondda Sports Centre three times a week – at the tender age of 91!
As the centre in Ystrad prepares to mark its 50th Birthday, Marjorie can remember the day that it opened and how excited she was to have a nearby facility to enjoy.
Over the last 50 years, Marjorie has made full use of her inclusive Leisure for Life membership, enjoying swimming, fitness classes and the gym at Rhondda Sports Centre.
At one point, she was in the centre every day of the week, enjoying yoga, circuits, a few lengths of the pool and time in the gym.
Even now, after half a Century as a regular customer, she still goes to the gym three times a week, with her son, Tim, giving her a lift to her routine workouts which include the cross trainer, marching, steps and then a second turn on the cross trainer!
In recognition of her extraordinary commitment to, and support for, Leisure for Life, Marjorie was recently presented with the Freedom of Rhondda Sports Centre, meaning she can visit the gym, swimming pool, fitness classes, indoor sports or health suite whenever she likes, as often as she likes, completely free of charge!
Grandmother-of-two Marjorie, who lives in Tonypandy with her husband Lewis, said: “I love my time up Rhondda Sports Centre and spend a few hours in the gym, three times a week. I remember when it opened, I was already into sports and running and now we had this huge centre with swimming, classes and a gym. I was so excited. It was something new!
“I have a routine there and it helps me to get out of the house, stay busy and stay active. I do think looking after yourself makes it easier in old age, being able to remain as agile and mobile as you can.
“The other customers and the staff are all so friendly, it’s a really nice environment to be in. There is so much equipment in the gym, I only use a few bits now for my workout but there was a time I would have used it all!
“I remember when the centre opened, I used to walk up there every day for a fitness class or a swim and the gym.”
Marjorie has always been sporty and active. As a child at Llwyncelyn Secondary Modern, she was encouraged by teachers to develop her running skills, so she did, for most of her education.
Marjorie worked all her life in the canteen at Rhondda College in Llwynypia (nowone of Coleg Y Cymoedd’s campuses) and used to run four miles on the track there every morning before work – without fail!
Following her retirement 30 years ago, she wanted to stay fit and healthy so continued her Leisure for Life membership and fitness routine.
Cllr Scott Emmanuel, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for Leisure for Life, said: “Marjorie is an example to us all. A very young at heart 91-year-old who, I am sure, gives the young ones a run for their money in the gym!
“Every resident aged 60 and over is eligible for discounted Leisure for Life membership across all 12 of our centres, so they can swim, learn to swim, attend a fitness class, go to the gym or enjoy indoor sports such as badminton or table tennis for a discounted price.
“This is on top of specialist referral schemes we also run to help those recovering from illness or injury with gentle and targeted physical activity in Leisure for Life centres.
“From the babies just a few weeks old, who are enjoying their first splashes in the swimming pool, to residents nine decades older than them – who are still visiting the gym regularly – Leisure for Life centres are more than gyms.
“They offer a place for all of us as we make being healthier and more active a long-term part of our lifestyles. There is something for all ages, interests and abilities and, as all of our customers say, our Leisure for Life centres are great places to be, with friendly customers and supportive staff!”
Leisure for Life membership enables unlimited access to gym, swimming (including lessons), fitness classes and indoor sports across all 12 of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Leisure for Life centres. See them here.
It offers concessionary (reduced price) membership for:
- Those aged 60 and over
- Those aged 18 and under
- Full time students
- Registered carers
- Those on qualifying benefits.
See more on concessionary memberships here
It also offers reduced price memberships for those with Blue Light or Armed Forces cards
Plus a Corporate Membership scheme involving local businesses, organisations and sports clubs. If you work for, or are a member of, a Corporate Partner, you and one other person can get memberships at a reduced price each.
Recently, the Corporate Membership scheme was extended into a Town Centre Membership scheme for Pontypridd and Llantrisant/Talbot Green, open to anyone working for any business based in those towns (including those self employed whose businesses were registered there).
Check the list of Corporate Partners and more information about the scheme here.
Posted on 15/12/2025