Freedom Leisure is proud to be entering its 25th year of partnership with Wealden District Council, a milestone that celebrates not only a long-standing relationship, but the local roots that helped shape the trust from the very beginning.
Since the partnership began, Freedom Leisure has remained focused on delivering inclusive, affordable and high-quality leisure services for communities across Wealden. Established in 2002, the trust has benefited from an exceptionally rare level of continuity in leadership, operating under the same governance arrangements since its formation, with four original trustees still serving on the Board today.
That stability has helped the trust stay true to its charitable purpose, make confident long-term decisions and grow responsibly, while keeping community impact at the heart of everything it does. All four legacy trustees; Des Houston, Martin Bailey, Martin Jones and Alan Rustad, have lived and worked in Wealden, bringing local knowledge, shared values and a deep commitment to community leisure.
Long-standing governance has given Freedom Leisure stable leadership, clear decision-making and a consistent long-term direction. It has helped us hold on to the knowledge, experience and values that have guided the trust as it has grown.
Ivan Horsfall Turner
Freedom Leisure began by managing four leisure centres on behalf of Wealden District Council. Today, it manages more than 130 leisure centres across England and Wales, demonstrating how strong local foundations, stable governance and trusted partnerships can create lasting impact on a national scale.
The four original trustees have all lived and worked in Wealden and that local understanding has shaped the trust from the start. It’s been a privilege to see Freedom Leisure grow while never losing sight of why we exist; to make leisure accessible and improve health and wellbeing for the communities we serve.
Alan Rustad
As Freedom Leisure marks this anniversary with Wealden District Council, it looks ahead with the same customer-first approach whilst strengthening partnerships, investing in its people and supporting community wellbeing for generations to come.