from Slough to Lilleshall where they occupied
the upper floor of the converted stables: Ford
Hall.
In 1991, subject to a Government enquiry
concerning efficiency and profit, the National
Centres were placed under individual manage-
ment companies. Lilleshall Sport and
Conference Centre LTD managed the centre
for the next eight years during which time
Lottery funding for sport was introduced by
then Prime Minister John Major. Since 1989
the Presidency of British Gymnastics was held
by Bill Slater CBE, one of the leading sports
figures in Great Britain. An academic, interna-
tional footballer and Olympian, and previously
Technical Director of the Sports Council (GB),
he was a recognized international Sports
statesman. On top of this, he had coached his
daughter Barbara in gymnastics very success-
fully—she represented Great Britain in the
1976 Montreal Olympics. Slater led the team
which produced Great Britain’s technical plans
for Lottery funding for all disciplines including
gymnastics and Movement for People with
Disabilities.
The Daily Grind
• Liz Kincaid (above) assists Imogen Cairns
with conditioning, and Amanda Reddin (above
right) helps Jenni Pinches with her flexibility.
• Hannah Whelan (right) works overtime on her
oversplits.
OPP. BOTTOM: The women’s elite squad starts
the day with a thorough warm-up routine.
