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This was one of the lidos in Janet’s book, which was listed as defunct. It was opened in 1935 with the usual classic art deco design of the time. It closed in 2000 and I guess many thought that it would never open again. However, with a great deal of local initiative and 2 million pounds worth of refurbishment, the pool as risen like phoenix from the ashes. It was reopened last year and I gather 23,000 people used it which is most impressive when you consider the summer we had. The pool is magnificent and the detail is amazing. Even the surrounds were made of soft child friendly material. At the shallow end were some water guns that the kids could have water fights with. The plastic pool liner will serve its purpose very well. The whole place looked sparkly and clean. Even on a rather damp afternoon, there were enough people there to make you think that the this had the support of the local community.
We completed our mile (48 lengths) in good time and prepared for the long drive back to Dorset. The pool staff were super, wishing us well for the rest of our challenge. As Dave steered us down the M5, we both reflected on another magical few days when we able to briefly revisit our youth and meet human nature and generosity at its best.