Bannatyne Group

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY ACCOLADE FOR ELAINE

09/03/2022

Bannatyne Bury St Edmunds has celebrated International Women’s Day by naming its Woman of the Year 2022.

91-year-old Elaine Vinten, who is a regular at the health club’s Aqua Aerobics classes was the unanimous choice for the honour after being nominated by restaurant manager Samantha Mandaza and Julie Key, sales and reception manager.

Elaine followed in her father’s footsteps to train and work as an architect at a time when very few women went into the profession. She held a number of positions including with Essex County Council school’s department and in London with renowned architects Sir Charles Nicholson & Rushton.

She married her first husband Howard Steele in 1953 and lived in various places across the UK. Howard was chief engineer of the Independent Broadcasting Authority, and later managing director of Sony Broadcast. Sadly, Howard died of cancer in 1983.

Elaine, who has two sons Michael and David, went on to establish a ‘private lunch business’ near Winchester before marrying Bill Vinten of the camera support manufacturer WP Vinten, who had been a colleague and sailing friend of Howard.

Despite her failing eyesight Elaine, who has 2 grandchildren, 9 step-grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren, enjoys her visits to Bannatyne Bury St Edmunds and is a much-loved member of the Aqua Aerobics class.

Elaine said: “I was so surprised when they told me that I had won this award. I thoroughly enjoy my visits to the health club and the pool; everyone is so kind to me and the classes keep me moving.”

Julie Key, sales and reception manager at the Bannatyne health club and spa Bury St Edmunds, said: “Elaine is an inspiration to us all. She’s had an amazing life and is still going strong at 91. She’s a real favourite with her Aqua Aerobics classmates and with us all at the club. It was a real pleasure to recognise her in this way.”

ENDS

NEWS RELEASE: ISSUED ON BEHALF OF BANNATYNE GROUP

CONTACT: Caroline Walker on 01325 363436

Notes to editors:

The Bannatyne Group operates 70 health clubs, 47 spas and four hotels. It is owned by Duncan Bannatyne OBE, who is also known for his appearances as a business angel on the BBC programme Dragons’ Den. The health clubs have around 200,000 members.

Bannatyne health clubs can be found in towns and cities throughout the UK, with a particularly strong presence near residential areas of large towns. They place a strong emphasis on wellbeing and exercise forming a central part of living a healthy lifestyle.

www.bannatyne.co.uk

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Images

Elaine with the club’s general manager Daryl Johnson
Elaine with the club’s general manager Daryl Johnson
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Elaine and Bill
Elaine and Bill
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