02 Jul 2021
Dear member
I am writing to you to update you on the progress we are making on the install of the new membership and class booking system.
First of all I just want to stress that there are huge positives with our new system. In the not too distant future you will be able to manage your membership yourself, including temporarily freezing your membership if you wish to. We will also be able to have exclusive member only content which will allow us to improve our digital offering in the future. We can communicate with you in new simpler ways and for Dan and the Fitness Team planning and updating the group exercise table is much easier and won’t cause you any disruption like the previous system.
I am aware that there have been some technical issues but we were prepared for that. As I explained in my last email to you Holmer Park has had the same system since opening and this was a huge piece of work. It is early days, but we are getting there.
I also wanted to speak to you directly and honestly about the dissatisfaction I know some of you feel about the change to midnight opening of bookings. First of all, thank you for your feedback and allow me to offer you some explanation. We did identify this change to midnight from the early conversations we had with our new software partner. The new system was trialled and robustly tested for over 6 months at our sister site, The Shrewsbury Club that has over 4000 members. They loved the new system and the change to midnight was happily accepted and for many was actually seen as a positive. So we thought that with the benefits that come with the system for you and for the club that this change would be generally accepted. Clearly, that has not been the case. So, rest assured, we are listening to your feedback and our developer has been tasked to try and find a solution to this. In all honesty, this is not a simple change and I cannot promise it will be solved straight away but we are listening to you and we recognise your frustration.
I do think that the reduction of class numbers and loss of studio space due to social distancing is further exacerbating the problem and if we are able to increase our class sizes on the 19th July as planned, I do think this will help. I am also happy to say that we are currently working with our planning consultants on a project to build another studio at the club which will allow us to hold more classes at the club. Not a “quick fix” I know but we are trying to solve this.
So, be assured we hear you and are trying to solve this. The last 18 months has been a really difficult time for Holmer Park and the team but we will do all we can to continue the development of your club and to take it forward.
Thank you for being part of the Holmer Park family.
Kind regards
Steven Chadwick General Manager