Friends of Peterborough Lido (FoPL) held their AGM on 18 March 2025 in the Fleet Centre in Fletton. The meeting was well attended by members and we were pleased to welcome representation from Peterborough Limited/ PCHLL/ Vivacity operational management team and the Partnership Manager for Culture and Leisure from Peterborough City Council (PCC).
The meeting began with a warm welcome from David Godfrey Minutes from the 2024 AGM, which were agreed and signed as accurate.
The Chair presented his report summarising the year, thanking the committee and confirming that he would be standing down. This was followed with a short visual presentation by the Vice Chair, Clare Marshall showing how some of the Friends of the Lido had helped with Pre-season cleaning and preparation, planting, as theatre stewards, daily “locker docking”, hosting a visit from the leader of the Council, and most importantly acknowledging all those who had helped with the Campaign to stop the mothballing of the Lido proposed in the PCC budget consultation.
A proposal to amend the constitution to combine officer roles was approved and election of 2025 Officers and Committee members followed.
The new FoPL committee for 2025 is:
Chair: Clare Marshall
Secretary/Vice: Chair: Cheryl Thompson
Treasurer/ Membership: Jane Callaghan
Committee: Monica Ilett (IT lead)
Maggie Divers: (Treasurer Support)
Kay Collins
Emily Niemc
Mike Henchy
This was followed by a short address from the new Chair, Clare Marshall who explained that she was stepping up to carry the role of Chair to enable the continuation of the FOPL at such a crucial time. But would be reviewing this and looking towards achieving sustainability. The new committee will meet on 2nd April to agree formal meeting dates with ex officio for the year, set a date for the next AGM and collectively agree roles and administration to ensure a fully proactive committee.
A small gift as a token of appreciation was presented to David for his two years as Chair.
An eight-minute taster presentation from the full “Brief history of the Lido 1936-2024” presentation was shown. The full presentation which was collated by Monica Ilett (committee member) shows the Lido’s story which has never been captured before and it is hoped might be turned into a booklet or an exhibition in the future to raise funds and profile of the Lido and the important part it plays in the City’s heritage.
This was followed by brief update from the PL/PCHLL operational management team, together with the from PCC Partnership manager for Culture, Sports, and Leisure. The announcement was made that the Lido will revert to the original May to September opening season this year and will open on 24 May.
A Question-and-Answer session from the floor followed. A call for ideas for fund raising for the future to be shared with PCHLL now they have their new not for profit status they can apply for grants and funding. It was confirmed that the money for covers has been found and covers will be installed.
The meeting closed with tea, coffee and biscuits and a chance to chat informally with members and PL/PCHLL/Vivacity staff
Our thanks go to everyone who attended and helped make the evening a success.
