Bourne Outdoor Pool is open for summer 2024

Swimmers were keen to get back in the water when an outdoor pool opened for the new season.

Around a dozen people took the first plunge into Bourne Outdoor Pool on Saturday morning despite the slightly chilly temperature outside.

Volunteers had been working hard to prepare the facility for its opening day, with jobs including cleaning and refilling the pool itself and rebuilding the cafe which was damaged by Storm Henk earlier in the year.

Committee chairperson Mandy Delaine-Smith is now hoping for a summer of good weather.

She said: “The opening wasn’t bad and we had some new faces but the weather could have been better so we’re ready for some sun now.

“We’ll also be looking at what we can do when the weather isn’t as good to encourage people to come along anyway.”

The new cafe area cost £40,000 and was partly funded by The Len Pick Trust. Help was also given by staff from several local companies who were granted time off work to volunteer in the community.

Mandy added: “I’d like to thank everyone who has helped us get ready for the opening and to the companies which provided new picnic tables.”

The 50 yard heated pool is one of the largest outdoor pools in the country and has been operated and maintained by volunteers since 1990.

The facility in Abbey Road will open Monday to Friday from 12pm until 6pm for general swimming sessions, and from 10.30am until 6pm at weekends and bank holidays.

Other sessions will be held throughout the week including a ladies evening, fun nights, waterpolo and lane swimming. The timetable is available to view online at www.bourneoutdoorswimmingpool.org

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