Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Hawthorn Leisure Centre is celebrating 50 years since it first opened its doors – and everyone is invited to the celebration!
An entire month of free events, family fun and sporty celebrations are being planned to mark the occasion! Find out more below.
It was on February 26, 1976, that the doors to the popular facility – one of 12 Leisure for Life centres across the County Borough – were first opened.
Half a century later, the centre is now a popular and vibrant facility, with members enjoying the gym, fitness classes, indoor sports and the recently-improved health suite.
From the babies enjoying soft play birthday parties under the disco lights in the main hall, to retired residents who fill the halls of the centre with laughter as they play table tennis and pickleball, Hawthorn Leisure Centre has something for everyone.
Come and join in the fun, see the centre, meet the staff and enjoy the events during Fun February! All are welcome!
These include:
- FREE Table Tennis (ages 16+) every Monday in February from 9.30am-11.30am
- FREE Chair aerobics every Tuesday in February from 12.30pm-1.15pm
- FREE Body Power Class (ages 14 plus) every Tuesday in February from 5pm-6pm
- FREE Clubbercise class (age 14 plus) every Wednesday in February from 4.15pm-5pm
- FREE Zumba class (age 16 plus) every Thursday in February from 6pm-7pm
- FREE Pickleball every Friday in February from 4pm-6pm (all ages but under 8 must be accompanied by an adult)
- FREE family fun session every Saturday in February from 10am – 10.45am (all ages but under 8 must be accompanied by an adult)
- FREE Bootcamp circuits class (ages 14 plus) every Sunday in February from 9am-10am
Plus an entire programme of events, with something on all day every day onMonday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday of half term, including free running, basketball, table tennis, pickleball, mixed sports, Tae Kwon Do taster sessions and more.
Download the timetable here:
Thursday, February 26 marks the actual anniversary of the opening of Hawthorn Centre and all are welcome to the Open Day. Come along and share your memories of the centre, celebrate your fitness milestones or just pop in to meet the team and see the facilities – FREE gym taster sessions, tea, coffee and a warm welcome are on offer all day.
The fun February celebrations for Hawthorn Leisure Centre’s 50th Birthday reach their grand finale on Saturday, February 28 from 1.30pm with Rock N Roll Bingo, live music and disco. Step back in time to the days when the centre first opened by dressing in 70s fancy dress! The event will have a small bar and is open to those aged 18 and over only. Tickets are £2.50 and available from reception at the leisure centre.
Cllr Scott Emanuel, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Leisure for Life, said: “Happy Birthday to Hawthorn Leisure Centre! 50 years and still going strong!
“It’s going to be a fun February for everyone, as the centre opens its doors and invites everyone to get involved.
“This is a great chance for people who have not visited the centre before to come along and see what is on offer, right on their doorsteps.
“There is something on offer for everyone – all ages, all interests and all abilities. The activities organised as part of the celebrations are a taster of what’s on offer all year round at Hawthorn.
“One of the very best thing about the centre is its friendly and knowledgeable staff and the other customers, who are so welcoming and keen to help newcomers get settled in. You really have nothing to lose by popping in – the celebrations are going to be great fun!
“Hawthorn is a busy centre with a great bunch of customers who are friendly, supportive and always keen to help everyone get involved and feel welcome. It has customers of all ages, from children right , get involved and have fun. Come and celebrate with the amazing team at Hawthorn Leisure Centre!"
Hawthorn Leisure Centre is one of 12 centres run by the Council’s Leisure for Life service across Rhondda Cynon Taf.
Leisure for Life is one of the most far-reaching and inclusive memberships in the region, with one easy, monthly payment enabling customers to access gym, swimming (including lessons), fitness classes, indoor sports such as squash, badminton and table tennis and health suites as often as they like – at any Leisure for Life centre they like.
The membership offers reduced rates for those who are:
- Age 60 and over
- Aged 18 and under
- Registered carers
- Full time students
- Those on qualifying benefits
See more here.
It also offers discounts on monthly memberships and pay as you go prices to those who have Blue Light cards or are a member of the Armed Forces Community (serving and retired).
A successful Corporate Membership scheme with local businesses, sports teams and organisations is also in place. If you work for, or are a member of, any of the Corporate Partners, you and one other person can enjoy reduced Leisure for Life membership.
Posted on 05/02/2026