Bourne Outdoor Swimming Pool ready for summer season opening over bank holiday weekend

A town’s outdoor swimming pool is gearing up for a new season thanks to a big community effort.

Bourne Outdoor Swimming Pool welcomes its first swimmers on Saturday (May 24) after a busy few months getting the facility shipshape.

The charity’s loyal band of volunteers began preparations in February, cleaning and painting the pool and getting the grounds spick and span ready for the new season which runs until the end of August.

“The pool looks absolutely fantastic,” said committee chairperson Mandy Delaine-Smith.

“We have a dozen volunteers who turn up every Saturday. They all come in their own time and do what they can. We've had gardeners come, painters that turn up.”

This year they have been supported by groups from teams from businesses, including Royal Sun Alliance, Cummins, Bakkavor, Caterpillar, Compare The Market and Anglia Water.

“We've had a lot of support this year and a lot of local companies have come and donated their time.

“They came in big groups and cleaned the pool, pressure washed it, painted it and everything.

“I want to say a very big thank you to all our volunteers, the groups and the individuals. The support has been absolutely fantastic.”

The pool, in Abbey Lawns, is open seven days a week, with general swim sessions from noon to 6pm Monday to Friday and from 10.30am to 6pm at weekends.

Lane swimming for adults is available on Wednesdays from 6am to 8.15am, and on Saturdays from 8am to 10.15am, with a weekly ladies’ lane swimming session on Monday evenings from 6.30pm to 8.15pm.

After some typically variable summer weather in recent years, Mandy is hoping the current spell of dry, sunny conditions will extend over the coming months.

“Let's hope the weather will be good to us because we really do need a good season,” Mandy added.

“If people support us, we will be there for many years to come.”

As well as the main 50-yard heated pool, there is also a toddlers’ pool and play area, fountain pool, lawns, indoor changing area and cafe.

The pool was converted from an historic monks’ fishpond and first opened in 1919.

This year will mark its 36th season operating as a charity, and Mandy’s 26th as chairperson.

“Even though it's a charity, it’s run as a business, so there is lots of work involved, but it's a job I love doing.”