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Old Thorns new gym - Jackie Bond (22nd May 2012 - 16:33:44) Out of interest has anyone else has any negative experiences around membership of the new gym? In particular conflicting/differing membership rates. I have had a particularly frustrating experience and just wondered if I was the only one?

Re: Old Thorns new gym - j. (22nd May 2012 - 16:50:06) Hi, I was a member at the old thorns gym but i decided to cancel my membership simply because i refused to pay between £60-£80 to go there. i understand that the gym has been redone but honestly, who is going to pay that much a month to go there? no wonder we have an obesity problem in this country!

Re: Old Thorns new gym - Jackie Bond (22nd May 2012 - 17:25:47) The message I got was the directors were not interested in locals from the village using the gym at those original prices they wanted a select few paying full price to cover costs and also less wear and tear on the new equipment! The new gym is amazing but the management and customer service leaves a very bad taste in your mouth!

Re: Old Thorns new gym - Thorny customer (22nd May 2012 - 19:39:52) I too am / might be / have been a ditched member of said gym. I am very confused by the mixed correspendance that is coming through and think they have taken an easy route tonight and just cancelled my membership with no written notice?! Am waiting an waiting and the Waiting some more to get a final response to my questions before I make the decision to stay or go. One can only assume they are making a huge profit somewhere in the complex (would think not in the champagne bar as have seen more life in the local churchyard) that they can afford to cancel the existing corporate members they have? I do believe the premium equipment warrants a new premium pricing agreement but there are better ways of delivering a message both legally and with good grace Any other thoughts anyone?

Re: Old Thorns new gym - Jackie Bond (22nd May 2012 - 20:24:15) Out of interest what does your contract say? I know many members are frustrated with never having received their contracts therefore have no idea where they stand legally? They have also had memberships cancelled with no warning!? Is this allowed? I know having been a member of many gyms I have had to commit to a years contract and it has been hell on earth trying to get out of them and at the very least gyms demand 4 weeks notice. Yet old thorns seem to work to their own undisclosed set of rules?

Re: Old Thorns new gym - John Wingfield (22nd May 2012 - 21:21:11) Mill Chase gym is being refurbished this summer and will only cost you £19.99 per month with no long term contract.

Re: Old Thorns new gym - Uniq Physique Gym (23rd May 2012 - 12:17:40) If you are looking for a great place to train that understands your needs and offers a personal service, come and visit Uniq Physiqe gym in Haslemere. We are located next to Plumbase, 2 minutes from the station. Membership starts from only £18 per month with no joining fee and you are very welcome to try before you buy! We have an extensive range of weight equipment, free weights (from 2kg to 80kg) and cardio machines. Plus our team of personal trainers are always on hand to offer advice on training and nutrition. For further information either email us at the above address or call Rachael or Ollie on 01428 644032. Also find us on Facebook under uniqphysique.

Re: Old Thorns new gym - Old Thorns (23rd May 2012 - 12:44:14) Old Thorns reply. Any changes to the membership categories and pricing has been completed to ensure all customers are fairly treated in respect of aligning the fees paid. Unfortunately over time and historic decisions have meant that you may have been paying a membership fee disproportionate to your usage categories and this may have varied from member to member. Feedback on the new facilities is fantastic and we feel that the new pricing structure will allow everyone to join and enjoy the unrivalled facilities we will be providing. The new facilities will not only be a great place to get fit and relax but will also employ in the region of an additional 20 local staff within the resort. Our pricing has been set and pitched using our competitive set (other local gyms/Health clubs) and is competitive. We are currently charging no Joining Fee to get started on a membership as a Founder member offer. The swimming pool is due for completion over the next few weeks and we are very excited about this stunning new addition. Old Thorns management team are more than happy to discuss current and existing membership details with members at any time at the club.

Re: Old Thorns new gym - h (23rd May 2012 - 13:45:42) Is there goiing to be a swimming only membership available for the new pool? I do not like the gym so usually end up paying for a facility I never use with a normal membership arrangement.

Re: Old Thorns new gym - Rich (23rd May 2012 - 21:49:22) I have been using Uniq Physique gym for some time and have found all the staff very helpful and with a wide range of equipment to cover all types of training. Highly recommended.

Re: Old Thorns new gym - jennie (24th May 2012 - 08:10:33) i enquired yesterday about swimming only membership at old thorns and no there isnt it is all or nothing i must admit it does look good though

Re: Old Thorns new gym - Finchie (24th May 2012 - 08:45:44) Sorry got to wade in here ... I have to say this is the best gym I have ever been to ! Those who have seen my svelt like figure, may be surprised to find out that I am a bit of a gym nut (cue copious insults). My previous \"best\" was Mountbatten in Portsmouth great equipment, stunning views over the harbour, great value. Old Thorns takes this to another level. And the pool isn\'t finished. Locally I used the Herons (and The Edge), which is very average, but I had no choice (and actually never knew about the one near plumbase which I should have tried). Last straw, having used the Herons for 10 years and wanting to use The Edge, because I had not done an induction at the edge for something like 18 months they were going to charge me 45 quid for an induction. You can imagine where I told them to shove their rusty elliptical trainer. Joined Old Thorns in January, and I have to say they have been very good during the transition, with good communication, and providing a months free membership as they go through \"snagging\". What finally sealed the deal for me, when I asked how they would deal with meatheads at gyms who constantly drop barbells / dumbells on the floor because they have no clue how to use them properly (and like everyone in the gym to know what a very large weight they are lifting, but not strong enough to place it down quietly). This irritates the hell out of me as it is a distraction. (cue retribution - bring it on). Old Thorns will have a policy of 3 warnings and you\'re out ! Happy days. I totally agree that pricing shouldn\'t be increased from current levels as this might tip many over the edge, so I would encourage as many as possible to have a tour, as the more the merrier (it\'s so large it\'ll never look busy), and I would hate to see a situation where prices increase due to low numbers. I also understand they have an off-peak rate. I also suspect, but don\'t know, that the corporate membership and definitions were probably \"stretched\", and corporate monthly rates were ridiculously low. I suspect this is where some of the irritation stems from ;-) Personally, I would feel a fraud paying corporate rates in return for those world class facilities, particularly if I was not a local company and it\'s not like we have hundreds of local companies. It\'s a cracking local facility, reduce your sky subscription / beer intake / wine intake / cigarette purchase and get on down. I\'ve done that to justify the small extra over the herons. I suspect The Rising Sun is surviving even with my reduced contribution !!! At least we now have a real choice. See it and choose ! Happy \"lean mean fighting machine\" weekend !! Cheers, Finchie PS This is without the pool ! When that is finished I think I will probably wet myself !!! PPS I have nothing to do with Old Thorns

Re: Old Thorns new gym - Old Thorns (24th May 2012 - 16:11:41) Thank you for all of your positive comments!! (especially Finchie) The pool is getting there and I hope that Finchie can control his bladder. On a serious note - we very much appreciate all comments and look forward to showing you around and hope you join us for a starbucks. Many thanks Old Thorns.

Re: Old Thorns new gym - Andy (24th May 2012 - 16:42:52) I'm a golf member and I'd love some kind of family membership where I can use the golf and gym, kids and wife can swim etc. It's disappointing that there's no junior membership anymore.

Re: Old Thorns new gym - Zoe (24th May 2012 - 17:06:46) Whilst it is nice to see positive comments about old thorns, beware! We have been told they have increased the monthly payments and done away with corporate membership as the lower the number of members, the higher the price of membership, the less wear and tear on the new equipment. I would check your contradicting contracts which state on page one " in the event of a price increase, members will be given 4 weeks notice" However on page 2 "There is no obligation on the Company to give reason for any such decision to terminate membership.  Any dispute may be taken up with the Health Club Manager whose decision will be final." Once the pool is open, you either take the price increase or your out? Likewise, they get too many members, thus increasing wear and tear, some more culling may take place and you can do nothin about it Just some food for thought ....

Re: Old Thorns new gym - Jackie Bond (24th May 2012 - 17:53:37) Yes Zoe has reiterated the point I was trying to make initially BEFORE this became free publicity for Old Thorns. There is no doubt about the quality of the new gym, as per my original post. My issue is with the management and the treatment of members (or not members!) Sadly I never did receive my copy of the contract before I was expelled from the gym and i doubt I ever will. Anyway have come to the conclusion I am fighting a losing battle...

Re: Old Thorns new gym - H (25th May 2012 - 02:14:03) I do not read that paragraph as contradictory- notice of a price increase is not the same thing as terminating a contract which may well be because of offensive behaviour- why would they want the person there for a month?

Re: Old Thorns new gym - Old Thorns (25th May 2012 - 11:10:44) We understand the disappointment that any price increase may cause individuals and groups however as has been stated previously the price alignment has been conducted to ensure each member is treated fairly and is paying the same price. Old Thorns are committed to providing the best service and facilities for guests and visitors which includes our members of Elevations. We are currently working on the swimming pool completion and in time hope to develop future activities such as Boot camps and further social events for our members. To stay in touch (if not in person) please feel free to email - elevationmembership@oldthorns.com with any questions or comments you may have. We look forward to seeing you at Old Thorns soon.

Re: Old Thorns new gym - SC (25th May 2012 - 11:22:28) After looking around the very impressive new gym at old thorns, i would be lying if I didn't say I wasn't very impressed. However, the fact that it is empty, regardless of time it has been open says it all and I'd be surprised if anyone who does join stays long. The obvious lack of care for personal situation and mistakes by Old Thorns management when transferring the members from the old gym to the new shows a total disregard for the local people and businesses. I originally signed up for a membership when the gym was closed and told payment would start when the new gym opened but upon booking my session I was told the payment had increased over 20%. When you talk to the staff it is obvious they are embarrassed with how people are being treated, furthermore, they have no idea of prices as communication is strained. The facilities might be good but when the directors have a clear disregard for their members. I recommend the Herons leisure centre, prices are very good and the service has been great.

Re: Old Thorns new gym - Phil (27th May 2012 - 09:08:04) Not interested in joining Old Thorns. Never liked the place much anyway. For the last 4 years I have heard anecdoal comments from former members (note - not just folk who think they know what is going on) about changes to membership arrangements that you don't get (and should not get) at other gyms. Others may be more expensive, but that's because you get a better service. I vote with my money.

Re: Old Thorns new gym - Ja (28th May 2012 - 13:56:52) The Georgian House Hotel, in Haslemere is fab and not over expensive,

Re: Old Thorns new gym - Billy Nomates (29th May 2012 - 20:44:09) Old Thorns has created a beautiful new gym and I'm sure the pool would have been nice too... But I'll stick with David Llyod & Taro for now because the management and staff at Old Thorns Gym are the most rude, arrogant and wilfully stupid people I have ever encountered. I feel sorry for whoever is handling the enormous debt repayments on this fabulous new facility as deliberately throwing out good customers without any negotiation is insane! Who ever is in charge should fire all of them and start again.

Re: Old Thorns new gym - Jackie Bond (29th May 2012 - 21:22:42) Well Billy you might have 17 new mates and counting. Every day hearing more and more similar tales to my treatment and I know of 17 ex-surplus to requirements members so far looking for new gyms.

Old Thorns new gym - John (30th May 2012 - 13:56:01) To quote Old Thorns "Any changes to the membership categories and pricing has been completed to ensure all customers are fairly treated in respect of aligning the fees paid". On monthly membership I understand this, but can you please explain why you accepted people on annual memberships earlier this year and in fact told them to pay an annual membership in full "because prices will increase and you will get the benefit of a lower membership after the gym is completed for the balance of your membership term". You have now cancelled these memberships which means that you have at best misled customers and at worst....I will leave the readers to come to their own conclusions. However good your facilities are I think that people have the right to know how you deal with customers.

Re: Old Thorns new gym - Finchie (1st Jun 2012 - 08:19:02) Hi John, I agree that if it was full membership, that is outrageous. I\'d better check my post as I joined in January. However, if it was the loose \"corporate\" club together with 5 mates fees which worked out at £32 per month each, I can understand their desire to close that loophole. Don\'t get me wrong 5 of us had a very good look at this, as it seemed too got to be true, which has turned out to be the case. 3 of the 5 already signed up having had a look at the current facilities and fees. I suspect the other 2 will when the pool is finished. As Hoover proved in 90s with their \"buy a Hoover and get free tickets to Florida offer\" which broke the company (or forced them to sell as they lost millions), there\'s no such thing as a free lunch. Off the back of this thread I\'ve had many conversations with folk and while I\'ve not personally experienced it, it seems the issue should have been handled in a much better way. Let\'s hope the Old Thorns team recognise this and change accordingly as only local folk will join. They have offered to meet face to face in their \"public\" discussions, so can\'t fault that. John, curious to know which it is, as they may have missed me. In which case stacking toys in pram in anticipation !! Happy Very Long Weekend to all (I will be mostly sculpturing my lean mean fighting machine a.k.a. Hunting for a six pack which I know is somewhere well hidden under my beer belly. There must be an easier way than going to the gym surely ?! - all input welcome). Cheers, Finchie

Old Thorns new gym - John (1st Jun 2012 - 16:32:21) Finchie, I am afraid that I have to disagree with your have view that if "fees which worked out at £32 per month each, I can understand their desire to close that loophole". What is the loophole? Old Thorns offered the deal for a year and customers accepted it, the most basic level of contract law I am reliably informed by learned friends in the legal profession. Now they have lost a number of members and created a feeling of ill will amongst the local community. Honouring the annual memberships of whatever type would not have put them out of business what will is treating customers without respect and honouring contracts that they enter into. Good luck with the search for the 6 pack, I would recommend resignation to the inevitable. Cheers, John

Re: Old Thorns new gym - Finchie (3rd Jun 2012 - 07:20:04) John, good point, well made. I refuse to give up my search for said six pack. It is there, I'm convinced. You, Finchess, friends and family will not deter me from this elusive and lengthy quest ! I shall be posting weekly updates. Cheers, Finchie

Re: Old Thorns new gym - Phil (4th Jun 2012 - 08:56:00) Isn't the moral of membership gripes here the old adage: "If it looks too good to be true - then it probably is"

Re: Old Thorns new gym - Old Thorns (6th Jun 2012 - 15:51:13) Thank you for your comments. Forgive us for not responding more regulary however we do not want this to be thought of as free advertising. I am very interested in all of the comments made and take all feedback very seriously. As always I am available to speak to anybody on a face to face level and answer any questions that you may have over a Starbucks at Old Thorns. I am keen to keep an open door and transparant communication with everybody in the community whether it is regarding the Health Club or any other aspect of Old Thorns. We now employ over 150 mainly local people and this is set to grow in excess of 250 over the next few years. It is important that Old Thorns operates as a business which will sometimes not please everyone however the success and sustainability of prosperous employment will rely on sometimes tough decision making. Old Thorns in continuing to grow from what was a tired and failing business just over 4-5 years ago into a landmark operation and local assett. Old Thorns

Re: Old Thorns new gym - Cath (7th Jun 2012 - 09:58:29) I can understand for some people the membership may be too much. I'd be interested to know how much people pay to be members of Champney's, as the new Old Thorn's gym is a much more modern, better facility. I am a member - my fee has not gone up. I've found the staff really helpful and excited to be working in such a well equipped gym. If you haven't been to have a look - I'd recommend you do. They have climbing walls, TV screens in all the cardio machines (lazy I know but amazing how much longer you can run for when you are distracted by a TV program) and loads of weight machines, a spinning room, another sprung exercise room, I could go on..... Obviously other people have had different experiences - but I just wanted to put something positive on here as well. I realise what I pay is a lot - but it is close to my home, clean and makes me want to go to the gym - which for me is half the battle.

Re: Old Thorns new gym - Karen Feeney (7th Jun 2012 - 13:44:33) I just wanted to add another positive comment. I think the new gym is absolutely fantastic. The gym staff and management have been extremely friendly and very supportive and I think we are very lucky to have such an outstanding facility here in our village. Not only is the gym state of the art (there are more buttons on the running machine than the average spaceship) but I have also had several lovely facials (don't tell Mr Feeney) and a fab spray tan (he noticed that addition) in the Spa. The Champagne Bar is a lovely place to spend an evening and the Sports Bar is great for lunch with the kids..... It is tricky for me as I do know some of the people that have experienced difficulties with their membership but for me, the whole experience has been very positive and would urge the resident of Liphook to have a look for themselves and make their own minds up based on what they see and the reception they personally receive. Oh and Mr Finch, I have not seen you or your six pack down there yet?

Re: Old Thorns new gym - Richard (7th Jun 2012 - 21:50:21) If anyone sees the six pack without its owner (which may be likely if Mr Finch is still lokking for it) send it to the gym when he is there. :)

Re: Old Thorns new gym - Old Thorns (8th Jun 2012 - 13:08:10) Old Thorns reply ... Thanks for the kind comments. It is encouraging to hear that all of the staff at Old Thorns are making everybody welcome and Old Thorns a pleasurable experiance. Finchie - I think you may of started something here about the 6 pack....I am sure we will all get to see it in the next few days as the pool is opening on Saturday (subject to all being well with our delightful building team) As always - Best regards.

Re: Old Thorns new gym - Jackie Bond (8th Jun 2012 - 13:38:09) "It is encouraging to hear that all of the staff at Old Thorns are making everybody welcome and Old Thorns a pleasurable experiance." errrrrr.....are some of these posts getting lost in translation or do the management at Old Thorns have selective eye sight?

Re: Old Thorns new gym - Griggs Green Resident (8th Jun 2012 - 15:30:21) "Forgive us for not responding more regulary however we do not want this to be thought of as free advertising." "As always I am available to speak to anybody on a face to face level and answer any questions that you may have over a Starbucks at Old Thorns." "I am sure we will all get to see it in the next few days as the pool is opening on Saturday" "On a serious note - we very much appreciate all comments and look forward to showing you around and hope you join us for a starbucks." I think they have a Starbucks at Old Thorns, not that they're trying to get free advertising! On a serious note since Old Thorns was taken over by the current owners they do seem to do what they want when they want and they seem to get planning permission for every thing and anything. If your purse is big enough you can do as you please!

Re: Old Thorns new gym - Jackie Bond (8th Jun 2012 - 23:23:03) I started this thread due to the humiliating experience I had as a fledgling corporate member of old thorns - there is no doubt the facilities are second to none! The bitter taste comes from the inconsistency of the management - the on site staff are extremely pleasant but are helpless in the ever changing management style and there is no doubt there has been! All in all I just feel gutted about my treatment! Not to mention in that same weekend I had spent another £90 in spa, £15 in starbucks and that same weekend a lot more in the champagne bar. I do spend my money locally! We did nothing wrong other than sign up to a year long corporate deal we were promised in Feb before the facilities were even finished. We were so blown away we set up our DDMs from our company that same day. We soon got our confirmation in writing all addressed to 'Dear Member'; Following that we got our emails saying contrary to all that old thorns will not take membership fees until june as all facilities ie pool not finished. So as we had that in writing, despite said DDMs set up and us querying it, we continued to use fab, yet VERY unfinished and EMPTY (3/4 cleaners per guest) facilities It was only after we recommnded facilities round the village and friends who also used Old Thorns in a variety of ways reported back that they had all had varying answers to membership calls be that single, couple, off peak, corporate that we started to doubt our own 'GREAT DEAL'!!!!!!! After several inconclusive calls we were none the wiser but not feeling easy. D-Day go to gym with colleague whose company we have our corporate membership with. We are half way thru gym session but have put in a request for someone to come and talk to us and sort out all the confusion. Humiliating the manager Ashley ultimately advises us to leave the gym - the premise that we are freeloading and shouldnt be there despite our 'Dear member please dont pay emails' None of us have had any written or verbal warning that our original deal is now null and void! We are just supportive local residents very excited about a local village facility signing up to a great deal we were promised both verbally and in writing! - SUCKERS?? Such a shame as I hate to post negative on a village I love and support!! If I felt I had done wrong or taken advantage I would not have posted as I hate unneccessary negativity! I just feel really wronged, gutted and dissapointed! That gorgeous gym lays at minimal capacity - will they fill it - I dont know? Do they care....I doubt it! Sad, hurt and very disalussioned of Liphook :-(

Re: Old Thorns new gym - Finchie (9th Jun 2012 - 08:58:16) Jackie, doesn't sound like it was handled well at all. I'd get down there asap and give them the chance to apologise, explain and offer a free spa treatment as a gesture of goodwill ;-) I'm sure they are very focused on getting members as there is a lot of investment that needs to be paid back. Karen - I've seen you there loads of times. You probably didn't recognise the slimline version of me ! Ha ! Weird how we're more likely to bump into each other 500 miles away in Biarritz ! Pool opening ! I'm packing my budgie smugglers as we speak. Look out ladies (for the big splash Finchess, no other reason, Ha, think I recovered that nicely !). Old Thorns would be perfect if only it had a Starbucks ..... Happy (but wet) Weekend, Cheers, Finchie

Re: Old Thorns new gym - SC (11th Jun 2012 - 22:40:20) When people are treated badly they should not have to go out of their way to seek an apology. Old Thorns has become a place that is too concerned about the aesthics of the facility rather than the service and people that use it. It\\\'s all good these hot shots investing millions in these places but its only because it is that impressive that people are even considering going there. If the facility was poor, as it was before people wouldn\\\'t bother. There is no excuse for the way they are treating local people and businesses who have been around longer than these ignorant hot-shots. I have to totally agree with you Jackie, I hate all this negativity, especially when it comes to a place I love living in so very much but there is no excuse for the way they are conducting themselves at Old Thorns.

Re: Old Thorns new gym - old Thorns (12th Jun 2012 - 12:32:32) As previously I have been happy to respond to genuine concerns as well as positive comments. Due to the nature of the recent comments I am afraid I will not be responding or answering further on the liphook.co.uk site. I have made it very clear within my comments on this site that my door is always open for a face to face chat and that I am happy to personally speak with any individual regarding any element of Old Thorns. It is a shame that despite thousands and thousands of visitors enjoying our facilities and as mentioned vast Investment creating huge employment within the local area a few people want to attempt to damage the reputation and ongoing prosperity of the area. As previously stated business in today's climate needs sometimes to make decisions not pleasing to everyone however to continue to employ, prosper and develop for the future sustainability of our area - (I was born in Liss and have grown up in Oakhanger/Kingsley/Bordon etc) Perhaps if we were to please everyone however then not be able to sustain the employment and growing positive impact on this area’s economy I am sure the comments would reflect accordingly. Please accept this is the tone that it is meant and I hope if anybody wishes to discuss anything it will be done with appropriate courtesy and integrity and ideally in person which is surely the best way to move forward. Best Wishes.

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