We see a lot of swimmers taking photos of the poems that are painted on the Lido walls, which is another thing that makes Peterborough’s lido unique.
People ask about the meaning and history of these. So we thought we would share the background.
They are from a poetry residency, called ‘Words in the Water’ which poet, Keely Mills produced over the 2016 Summer season. She spoke to regulars, not so regulars and the staff about their experiences. This created new poems that explored the themes of outdoor swimming, water and the people that have used or still use the Lido.
The residency also featured four other poets and they were also commissioned to write about the Lido. At the end of the residency, there was a booklet produced, a soundscape, and an event called ‘Wet Sounds’. Then in 2018, Peterborough Presents commissioned Paper Rhino to paint some of the lines onto the walls of the Lido.
We know some of you have said you would like to hear the soundscape, so we have attached it here.
https://soundcloud.com/keely-mills/peterborough-lido-soundscape-2016
The recording features the poets, their poems and three voices of regular Lido swimmers. Sit back, have a listen and relax.
Keely still swims in the lido and is still inspired to write about her swims there and the community that uses the lido too.
List of credits;
Leedo Lido written by Toby Wood performed by Clare Marshall.
Walter Cornelius written and performed by Toby Wood
Refraction written and performed by Charley Genever
The Chubby Mermaid written and performed by Keely Mills
The Regulars written by Keely Mills and performed by Richard Ferris (at the lido)
Rectangles written and performed by Ross Sutherland
Fade in Time written and performed by Ron Graves
Leedo Lido written by Toby Wood and performed by Sue Godfrey.
The Recording was produced and recorded by Benny Turner from Beat This. It was funded by Peterborough Presents and Arts Council England.
