Dear Member,

First of all, to anyone who’s recently joined the baths, an introduction. I’m James Findlay, the recently appointed General Manager. Now I have my feet firmly under the desk, I thought I’d drop you a line about some of the plans I have to keep members up to date with developments in the club. It’s my intention to send you regular ‘Arlington Update’ newsletters highlighting anything from club events and classes to club rules and customs. Ahead of that email, I thought I’d drop you a line about how I’m tackling ongoing maintenance and repairs.

Maintenance - Lower Showers 

I am pleased to let you know the Lower Showers (at the shallow end of the pond) are open once again. This means the adjacent Upper Showers revert to Senior Members only, single sex use for Gentlemen on Mondays and Wednesdays and Ladies on Tuesdays and Thursdays. We are still awaiting screens and a cubicle for the Lower Showers area, which will be installed as soon as they are manufactured. In addition, I am pursuing the previous contractor for the return of the needle showers and hope to have them renovated and reinstated as well. I will let you know more as soon as I have an update.

Maintenance - Water Supply 

With 1300 members and the club open 100 hours almost every week of the year, a lot of pressure is put on our machinery and equipment. We have a new fault with one of our boilers and a water pump, meaning our hot water supply is a little restricted at peak times. Replacements are on order and our plumbing engineer will carry out repairs as soon as parts arrive. Again, I will update you when I have more information. In the meantime, you can help with considerate use of showers and hot water.

Maintenance - Walk Rounds 

Although we tackle all repairs as quickly as possible, I am conscious that some small breakages can appear to take more time to get fixed than should be the case. My team regularly report anything out of order, as do members, but it is my aim to get things fixed faster. You may see from this Friday 17th February, myself and a senior team member on the first of our weekly walk rounds. This is an inspection of the entire club to check everything from cardio machines to cubicle locks and steam rooms to soap dispensers. I also hope this will reassure you that I am taking your enjoyment of the club seriously. Do feel free to raise anything with me during these walk rounds.

Maintenance - Reports & Repairs 

If something isn’t working, there are several ways you can let me know. Firstly, tell a member of staff. If they can’t fix it, it will be noted in our day book to be tackled as soon as possible. You can also put a note in our suggestion box located in the Member’s Lounge or email me info@arlingtonbaths.co.uk with details of anything you have spotted that isn’t working.

Over the last 17 years I have learnt a lot about the club. I have got to know the building, the staff and many of the members. The experience and knowledge I have gained over this time will be put to good use to serve the club. You are more than welcome to give me a call or pop in to see me at any point I am on shift. You’ll find my monthly rota displayed on the club notice board outside the Slipper Room.

Best wishes,

James Findlay 

General Manager