A Phenomenal Year
What a year this has been. From the early opening on April 1st to to the sad closing in mid December as the colder weather closed in. Our Lido continues to attract visitors from all over the Country and the comments in the Visitors book are testament to this. Who can forget the magical Summer Solstice sunrise swim followed by those breakfast bacon or sausage baps. Then, we followed Sophie Etheridge, an adaptive athlete, with her gruelling training, part of it in the lido, for her epic record breaking Chanel swim. Sophie Joined the friends on her first swim in the lido on April 1st. Finally, there was the wonderful Mask Theatre’s summer open air production of Dr Faustus performed on the Lido lawn helped by volunteers from the Friends.
The season has been up and down weather wise. A cool start in April, then a heatwave in June followed by variable temperatures and weather in July, August and September. The news in September that the season would be extended was greeted with joy by the Lido stalwarts. As the swimmers ploughed up and down the wonderful life guards keep watch, keeping toasty in their new weather proof dry robes provided by Vivacity and Friends of the Lido. As Autumn progressed into winter the early morning swimmers were treated to some wonderful sunrises.
The Friend of the Lido group has grown during the year and have supported Vivacity as much as possible. From the super cleaning efforts by the lifeguards and Friends volunteers to prepare for the seasons early opening, the lido flower beds and planters being kept looking beautiful by Ellis Hannon, assisted by the Friends and the ‘Locker Docker crew’ volunteers Paul, Clare and Howard, arriving early most mornings to help prepare for the days early swimmer.
Our Facebook page became the place to be seen as Clare bec’ame the lido’s unofficial paparazzi sending photos and comments from swimmers to the Friends Social Media Admin. to be uploaded. The early morning opening in the darker Autumn and Winter mornings were wonderfully illuminated not only by beautiful sunrises but by the repair and restoration work of the pools historic and more resent lighting. Essential work for the lifeguards to be able to see the swimmers clearly in the dim light.
The extended Lido Season has been an unforeseen bonus although it was brought about by the forced closure of the Indoor Regional pool, but unexpectedly, it brought many lido, cold water and even some wild swimmers to the City to swim in the still heated but cooling water. They came, not just from around the County but from all over the Country as their local openair pools closed. Everyone who has swam in those sparkling warm waters have been delighted and grateful for Vivacity’s difficult and hard work to keep the City’s Jewel open.
Seasons Greeting from your Admin, Monica
