Two 80-year-old twin sisters from Hertfordshire are proving that advancing years are no barrier to an active, fulfilling life, having spent more than three decades teaching people of all ages to swim.
From Office to Poolside: A Lifelong Passion
Sisters Jenny Brackley and Alison Hubbard, both 80, have become local legends at Royston Leisure Centre. Alison has been instructing at the centre's pool since it first opened, while Jenny left behind office work to join her sister fifteen years ago. Their teaching journey, however, began much earlier, with both women spending many years prior instructing youngsters in a local school pool.
"I'd had enough of being in an office, so I decided to do my teaching qualification - and I've never looked back," Jenny explained. "I love the teaching; I don't want to stop. But I also want to keep fit, stay healthy and keep my body moving." For Alison, swimming was a natural calling. "I came into swimming because it was always a hobby which I enjoyed," she said. "It's lovely and a very gratifying feeling."
Teaching Generations of Local Families
The sisters' impact on their community is profound and spans generations. They are now teaching the children of parents they taught years ago, creating a unique family legacy in the water. This full-circle moment highlights their enduring presence and skill. In fact, several current members of staff at the leisure centre first learned to swim under the twins' guidance many years ago.
Their active lifestyle is not confined to the pool. Both women exercise regularly alongside their teaching duties. Jenny finds solace in the gym, describing it as her "place of solace," while Alison visits about three times a week and swims regularly. "I don't train as heavy as I used to, but I love going to the gym – it's where I feel at home," Jenny noted.
Age is Just a Number: A Message of Inspiration
Jenny believes fervently that maintaining physical activity is the cornerstone of wellbeing at any age. "I know we're now 80, but if you don't keep moving, and you don't eat well and exercise, your body's not going to work," she stated. "When I wake up in the morning, I'm just thankful that I'm here for another day."
She sees their role as one of encouragement for their peers. "People our age, and younger sometimes, just give up – and that's a great shame. It needs people like us to say, 'come on guys, get up and give it a go. You're never too old to start something new. Age is just a number'."
This inspiring ethos is why they have been appointed as ambassadors for Everyone Active's 'Age is Just a Number' initiative, which aims to encourage older adults to stay active and socially connected. Daniel Peddar, the leisure centre's general manager, praised them: "Jenny and Alison are fantastic ambassadors for the 'Age is Just a Number' campaign and much-loved members of our team. They're a huge part of the Royston community and a shining example of how staying active keeps both the body and mind young."
