Sonia Martinez-Roura

Vitality Westminster Mile – A brilliant celebration of community and activity

Vitality Westminster Mile - A brilliant celebration of community and activity

What a day! 

The Vitality Westminster Mile took place on Saturday 27 September and it was a joyful, inclusive celebration – a wonderful sunny day with people of all ages and abilities coming together to move, cheer and connect.

The 2025 Vitality Westminster Mile saw more than 6,000 people take in the iconic one-mile route around St James’s Park, starting on The Mall and finishing in front of Buckingham Palace. This included almost 400 in the Westminster Community Wave, featuring families from across Westminster’s diverse communities.

The participants also enjoyed the Vitality Wellness Festival in Green Park, which featured free activities for friends and family, as well as the general public. It was a record-breaking edition of the event, with a new Guinness World Record set and a new record for the oldest-ever participant, aged 99! Recognisable names taking part on the day included former England Cricket captain Sir Alastair Cook, TV personality Rachel Riley and The Body Coach Joe Wicks. What a brilliant day. 

Huge thanks to the organisers, sponsors, volunteers and every single participant. It was a soul warming fun day for everyone. 

Village Green And Cricket Net Rejuvenation Works Begin This September

Village Green And Cricket Net Rejuvenation Works Begin This September

We’re excited to share that the Village Green at Paddington Recreation Ground is set for rejuvenation works to create a refreshed and welcoming space for the community. 

Over time, the surface of the green has become worn, uneven and compacted through regular use and changing weather conditions. Potholes, cracking and thinning grass have reduced both the quality and safety of the space. As a much-loved area for play, leisure and relaxation, the Village Green deserves care and investment. These rejuvenation works will restore the lawn, improve drainage, and create a healthier, greener and more resilient space that the whole community can enjoy for years to come

Works will officially commence as of next Monday 22nd September and be completed by Monday 1st December

*Please note dates are subject to change depending on weather conditions*

Village Green Planned Works

  • Week 1: The green will be carefully koroed, removing the old sward, small stones and some soil. Levels and contours will be re-established, while existing potholes and cracks will be repaired. 
  • Week 2: Soil and sand will be spread, seed beds prepared, and a new seed mix sown to rejuvenate the lawn.

Once seeded, the Village Green will remain fenced off to allow the grass to grow and establish. If weather conditions are favourable, we anticipate reopening the green in early December.

Cricket Nets Upgrade

In addition, works will commence on the cricket practice nets from 29 September to 27 October. These improvements will introduce a new playing surface, new nets and new sight screens. The playing surface will be constructed to ECB guidelines, ensuring a high-quality facility for training and development.

We will endeavour to complete these works as quickly and efficiently as possible, keeping disruption to a minimum throughout the process and sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused. 

Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding in advance.

We look forward to welcoming everyone back to a revitalised facilities later this year.

Honouring the Spirit of Sport, Activity and Wellbeing in Westminster: The ActiveWestminster Awards 2025

Honouring the Spirit of Sport, Activity and Wellbeing in Westminster: The ActiveWestminster Awards 2025

The ActiveWestminster Awards 2025 are back and it’s time to celebrate the incredible people, clubs, spaces and projects that bring sport, activity and wellbeing to life across our city.

From inspiring coaches and dedicated volunteers, to inclusive programmes and welcoming community spaces, these awards shine a light on the individuals and groups who go above and beyond to keep Westminster moving.

Celebrating 16 Years of Recognition

Now in their 16th year, the ActiveWestminster Awards have become a highlight of the calendar, honouring the passion, commitment and creativity that make physical activity and sport such a powerful force for connection and wellbeing in our borough.

Key Dates and Prizes

  • Nomination Deadline: Midnight, Sunday 28 September 2025
  • Awards Ceremony for Finalists will be held later in the year
  • Winners will take home prizes kindly donated by our sponsors

Time left to nominate

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Award Catagories

There are nine categories this year, recognising a wide range of contributions:

  • Active Inclusive Award
  • Rewarding and Celebrating Diversity Award
  • Change4Life Supporting Children and Young People Award
  • One You Westminster Supporting Adults Award
  • Active Place or Space Award
  • PE and School Sport Award
  • Club or Coach of the Year Award
  • Sports Personality of The Year (aged 12+)
  • The Lord Mayor of Westminster – Unsung Hero Award, in memory of Mariam Sabir

Celebrate Dedication, Passion and Impact

The ActiveWestminster Awards are all about recognising the people and projects that bring energy, opportunity and inspiration to our community. From volunteers and coaches to inclusive programmes and active spaces, these are the champions who make Westminster stronger, healthier and happier.

By making a nomination through the ActiveWestminster Awards 2025 page, you can help ensure their dedication, passion and impact are celebrated. It’s quick, easy, and could mean the world to someone making a difference.

Over-60s Go Free at Westminster Pools

Over-60s Go Free at Westminster Pools

Westminster residents aged 60 and over can enjoy FREE swimming at our leisure centres with pools across the borough with an ActiveWestminster Card. Children and young people under 16 are also included,  helping residents of all ages stay healthy, active, and connected.

Find your local pool

Get your ActiveWestminster Card and dive in, it’s free for over-60s and under-16s!

How to get started – it’s as simple as 1, 2, 3!

  1. Apply for your ActiveWestminster Card (if you don’t already have one)

  2. Visit your nearest participating pool.

  3. Show your card and enjoy your swim. No fee, no fuss.

It’s about more than just a swim

Swimming isn’t just fun, it’s a simple way to boost your health, wellbeing, and confidence.

  • It supports health and wellbeing for older adults and young people
  • It encourages regular activity in safe, welcoming spaces
  • It helps break down barriers to participation with free access

For more information or help applying:

New Disability Swimming Club Making Waves at Moberly Sports Centre

New Disability Swimming Club Making Waves at Moberly Sports Centre

We are delighted to announce the launch of a brand-new swimming club for adults with disabilities at Moberly Sports Centre, delivered by WeSwim, an organisation dedicated to supporting inclusive swimming opportunities across London.

Where: Moberly Sports Centre, 25 Chamberlayne Road, London, NW10 3NB
When: Mondays from 22nd September 2025
Time: 18:15 – 19:45

WeSwim runs volunteer-led clubs across the capital, empowering adults with disabilities to get active, connect with others, and build lasting confidence in and out of the pool.

This exciting new session also offers a brilliant opportunity for volunteers to get involved and support the club, helping to make a real difference in the community.

Find out more about WeSwim, their sessions across London, and FAQs here: WeSwim – Supporting disability swimming across London

Volunteer with WeSwim and Support Disability Swimming

To make this club a success, they are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join their team.

As a WeSwim volunteer, you’ll:

  • Support adults with disabilities in and around the pool

  • Help create a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment

  • Gain valuable experience, training and community connections

  • Make a real difference to people’s lives through the power of swimming

Volunteering with WeSwim is a rewarding way to give back, build confidence, and be part of a growing community that champions inclusion and activity for all.

Find out more and register your interest: WeSwim – Volunteer Opportunities

Sports, Smiles & Community Spirit: ActiveWestminster Weekend Highlights

Sports, Smiles & Community Spirit: ActiveWestminster Weekend Highlights

On the weekend of 30 and 31 August 2025, Westminster City Council, in partnership with Everyone Active, proudly hosted the ActiveWestminster Weekend where residents of all ages came together to explore our Westminster Leisure Centres.

Residents of all ages enjoyed an action-packed ActiveWestminster Weekend, with opportunities to explore local sport and leisure facilities and take part in a wide range of activities.

With over 10 sessions on offer—including badminton, swimming, tag rugby, children’s bouncy castle sessions and gym inductions—the weekend was designed to encourage people of all ages and abilities to get active, try something new, or revisit an old favourite.

A highlight of the weekend was the Unity in the Community tournament, which brought together around 110 children and young people across 14 teams and 4 age groups. For the first time, the tournament proudly welcomed an all-girls team, marking an exciting milestone for the event.

The atmosphere was made even more special with the attendance of the Lord Mayor of Westminster, who presented medals and trophies to the winning U14 and U16 teams.

Well done to all participants for an inspiring tournament and very well-deserved congratulations to the winners of each category:
  • 16s – London Capitol 
  • Under 14s – Warsa FC 
  • Under 12s – London Tigers 
  • Under 10s – Warsa FC

The ActiveWestminster Weekend is a bi-annual event, fast becoming a highlight in the local calendar that everyone looks forward to. We can’t wait to welcome the community back for the next edition in spring 2026.

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