Having taken early retirement from teaching in 1996, with friends’ encouragement Russ and Co. opened Orbit in February 1997, with their own investment, no grants or funding.
Right from then we decided that we wanted to work from local centres in Milton Keynes. By 1998 we were in Stantonbury, Woughton, and Bletchley. Today, we are solely located in the best centre in the city, blocking the key hours from Monday to Saturday in Bletchley L.C.
Ensuring prices are competitive and equipment kept to the highest quality, plus qualified coaches, Orbit have won the Milton Keynes Open competition 4 times. They have had top ten places at National level, since initial entry in 2000, each year. Individually they have had girls 2nd place in the National Trampoline league 5 times, and once at Senior ladies a 1st. place. With a 3rd position achievement in the ladies synchronised competition.
Their boys have also done well. Martyn Howard, placed 1st at under 18s and later 1st at over 18s. We have had many 2nd places, and some years ago, a boys under 15 1st place, and a Men’s over 19s 1st place.
In a team effort, where competitors have to be drawn from the lowest beginners’ level to the highest grade level, they have taken a cup every year since its inauguration in 2014.
Like many other clubs, the challenge to return, rebuild and grow was immense following numerous lockdowns, yet Orbit survives thanks to Milton Keynes Council positively funding the club to help them continue to be the great club they are. Their members, parents and officials are gratefully indebted for receiving the Coronavirus Response Fund.
