After being voted Number One for being The Best Lido in Britain in The Times Newspaper and recognised by The Guardian Newspaper for being “An Amazing Outdoor Swimming Pool” the pool staff and volunteers had a lot to celebrate! The pool really is an urban escape in the heart of our national park offering beautiful views of Derbyshire.
The recent spell of hot weather has brought amazing crowds to enjoy the Summer days in Hathersage and the pool has been full to capacity most sunny days.
A new hoist for the disabled has been purchased and is now fully operational to help entry into and exit from the pool. Grateful thanks to Julie Colley at Sladen Lodge for her generous donation towards this cost.
The first trial for the extended Friday evening swim at the start if August was very well supported despite the almost tornado conditions. Wind, thunder, lightning and massive hail stones didn’t put too many people off coming! Whist the pool had to be cleared during the thunderstorm, the swimmers took refuge under the verandah to watch the lightning display until they were allowed back in the water.
The staff are planning another extended trial session from 7 – 9pm on Friday 6th September hopefully to give to people the opportunity for a lovely swim to after finishing a hard week’s work. If you would like to see more extended sessions or have any further suggestions – please let us know by writing a comment in the visitors’ book in the pool office.
September is certainly going to be a busy month for the pool. The final Late Night swim to music for this season is on Friday 20th September from 7.30 – 9.30pm where hot and cold refreshments will be served on the verandah.
On Friday 27th September we are taking part in the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning between 10 and 12pm in support of the Macmillan charity. Please support this if you can by donating cakes, biscuits, raffle prizes and of course by buying a cup of coffee. We are hoping to raise lots of money for this very valuable charity.
We are indeed very privileged to have been asked to host a Film Festival for Sensoria on Saturday 28th September. Sensoria is the UK’s festival of film and music who perform at various unusual venues across Sheffield from 26-29th September. Sensoria is a not – for – profit organisation which encourages new talent in a programme which includes outdoor screening, showcases of up and coming bands and free headphone gigs. More details about all their activities are on their website www.Sensoria.org.uk .
The evening will begin at sundown 6.45pm and the film “The Big Blue” will be shown from 7pm. People may bring their own chairs to sit on the verandah to watch the film or may swim during the performance. Please note this film is only for over 15s only on this occasion. Tickets are limited and cost £7 (£5 for OAPs) and 50 will be available from the pool office and the remainder on sale via the Sensoria website.
Refreshments including popcorn will be available on the evening. (Alcohol and glass containers are NOT permitted in the area). If you would like to donate home made cakes or sweets it would be very much appreciated. The evening is in support of our swimming pool funds.
On Sunday 29th September the pool will be open from 10am – 2pm for our end of season swim to music.
A cold water swim is planned to celebrate Halloween on Saturday 26th October from 11-3pm.
Be there if you dare!!
Our next season starts in March 2014 and we are planning to host a Swimathon for Marie Curie Cancer Care. This raises money to support the work of the Marie Curie nurses.
Please keep an eye on our website for further details. You can register for this now at mariecurie.org.uk.
Many thanks to all the music makers, cake makers and volunteers who have helped us to make this season very special. We look forward to another busy and varied programme for next year.