FORMBY — In a move that’s been widely welcomed, the Formby Hall Golf Resort & Spa, now part of the Harland & Poston Group, have donated more than 75 pieces of commercial gym equipment during this Summer to 3 nearby schools: Range High, Scarisbrick Hall and Formby High School. The handover happened on July 24, the beginning of the summer term.

This donation is part of the renovation that the resort will undergo, managed by HP Invest, starting with the gym. It is important to highlight that this is not outdated gym material gathering dust in a backroom. These are good quality machines, Technogym treadmills, Matrix strength trainers, Olympic-standard weights, all still in perfect condition.  

What says the CEO of the Harland & Poston Group

David Poston, CEO of the Harland & Poston Group, said the donation is about “supporting young people in our community with practical tools for health and wellbeing.” 

“As we invest in the future of Formby Hall, we want to ensure our progress benefits the people around us,” he added. 

Each school is set to receive a tailored bundle, chosen to match their physical education needs. Think: treadmills, rowing machines, cable stations, and more. 

The equipment will be put to use across PE lessons, fitness programmes and extracurricular sports, helping to embed physical activity into everyday school life — at a time when budgets are tight, and demand is high. 

The 3 schools all play a vital role in the educational and social fabric of Sefton and West Lancashire. Range High, a short jog from Formby Hall, has served the community since the 1970s. It’s known for its focus on both academic and personal development — and now, it seems, for building stronger muscles too.  

Statements from the Schools

Mr Owens, from the PE department at Range High School, was full of praise. 

“The generous donation from the new owners of Formby Hall Golf Club will significantly enhance students' physical education experience,” he said. 

“It promotes fitness, wellbeing, and healthy lifestyles — and provides greater access to quality resources, encouraging participation, improving performance, and inspiring lifelong habits that support both physical and mental health.” 

Scarisbrick Hall School brings a blend of heritage and forward-thinking education, set in one of the area’s most iconic buildings. Meanwhile, Formby High, going strong since 1938, continues to be a lynchpin for inclusive education and community spirit. 

Mrs Melia, the Curriculum Leader for Physical Education at Formby High School, also expressed her gratitude. 

"On behalf of the students and staff at Formby High School, I would like to thank Formby Hall Golf Club for their very kind and generous donation of free fitness suite equipment for our students to use. The students really enjoy using the fitness suite, and this donation will benefit them in lesson time as they now have access to more equipment, but it will also benefit those students who use the fitness suite after school. Staff also use the facility, so it will contribute to staff health and well-being too.” 

The generous gesture from Formby Hall is the start of a long-standing relationship with the area. Over the years, the resort has been more than a leisure destination; it’s hosted fundraisers, local events, and now, it seems, a new generation of fitness enthusiasts. 

The gym and wellness refurbishment itself is due to start later this year, with Schulte Hospitality Group overseeing the works. It forms part of a broader revamp following the Harland & Poston Group’s acquisition of the resort in early 2025. 

For now, the only heavy lifting going on is the delivery of dumbbells and rowing machines. But it’s the kind of weight everyone’s happy to carry.