Guests were treated to a demonstration of a variety of activities when sport and fitness in Watford received a major boost which thousands continue to benefit from every week.

Watford Leisure Centre, in Horseshoe Lane, remains one of the main facilities in the town for those looking to play competitive sport or simply stay fit since it opened 47 years ago this month.

The Woodside complex was officially opened on July 2, 1976 and a Watford Observer photographer was present to capture these scenes, including the Royals basketball team showing off their skills, while netballers also got their first taste of the new gym.

Watford Observer: The centre shortly before it officially opened.The centre shortly before it officially opened. (Image: Watford Observer)

Visitors also watched young footballers play a small-sided game on the court, a game of mixed hockey and an archery demonstration.

Watford Observer: The keeper dives in a game of mixed indoor hockey.The keeper dives in a game of mixed indoor hockey. (Image: Watford Observer)

Take a look through these pictures from our archive of the official opening.

Watford Observer: An archery demonstration.An archery demonstration. (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: Addressing the guests at the opening.Addressing the guests at the opening. (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: Players from the Royals basketball team in action.Players from the Royals basketball team in action. (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: Young players show off their football skills.Young players show off their football skills. (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: A netball team was also held at the opening.A netball team was also held at the opening. (Image: Watford Observer)

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