Fabulous piece from Toby Wood. From the Peterborough Telegraph Published Thursday April 16th
On Wednesday 25th March something rather lovely happened in the House of Commons, writes Toby Wood of Peterborough Civic Society.
No, nothing to do with Starmer, Badenoch, Davey, Farage or even that man from across the Pond. No, Peterborough got a mention, the Lido got a mention, the Friends of Peterborough Lido got a mention, in particular the retiring chair, Clare Marshall.
It was indeed Andrew Pakes, Peterborough’s MP, who was singing the praises of swimming, keeping fit and lidos in general. His speech in Parliament was very timely since, on Saturday 28th March, Peterborough Lido opened for its 2026 season.
This year is the Lido’s 90th birthday, it officially opened by Mayor Arthur Mellows on May 28 1936 as the Corporation Swimming Pool. It was designed following a 1933 council competition won collaboratively by five local architectural firms and originally featured a 55 yard or 50.25m main pool and smaller children’s pool (together holding 388,000 gallons), sunbathing lawns, terraces and changing facilities. It still retains its ‘hacienda-style’ elements and is a fine example of art deco architecture and design.
During World War II, the Lido suffered Peterborough’s first Luftwaffe bomb hit on June 8, 1940, but was repaired and reopened after the war. It continued as a vital local amenity despite challenges, including a 1991 closure threat averted by public campaigns, newspaper support, and council interventions (including personal funding from a councillor for repairs) The Lido is recognised for its architectural significance as one of Britain’s finest surviving 1930s lidos and it gained Grade II listed status from Historic England in 1992.
Now if there’s one thing I really like is enthusiasm, either from an individual or a group. It’s the people with the ‘glint in the eye’ that make all the difference and many tend to be unsung, overlooked and underappreciated. The people that run, use, help and support the Lido are shining examples of this.
A couple of months ago I met two real enthusiasts – Monica Ilett and the aforementioned Clare Marshall from the Friends of Peterborough Lido who were planning to produce a book on the history of the Lido in recognition of the facility’s 90th birthday. This 100-page book has been real labour of love and includes fascinating facts, stories, reminiscences, photographs from the Lido’s history. It is now available from the Friends website : www. friendsofpeterboroughlido.co.uk or from 16 April it will be available to buy from Peterborough Museum as part of an exhibition about the Lido. But hurry, it’s selling fast!
I was taught to swim at the Lido by Peggy Wright, a formidable swimming teacher who shouted at me to stop being a wimp and get on with it. The tactic worked perfectly – I wanted her to stop badgering me so did what I was told. Hello backstroke, goodbye armbands!!! As a teenager I loved lazing those summer days away at the Lido and, over sixty years later, grandson Toby does the same.
The Lido has many stories to tell and mention of it to longstanding Peterborians brings smiles, stories and fondness usually reserved for close friends and family members.
Special mention must be given to local legend Walter Cornelius, a Latvian strongman and lifeguard, who worked and taught at the Lido. In the meantime just look up at the Walter weathervane atop the Lido or Nathan Murdoch’s mural dedicated to him, currently situated at the back of the TKMaxx building in Bridge Street. It may soon have to be moved. Walter’s strong man feats are legendary and deserve a column of their own. One day!
I shall leave the last word to words from the Friends of Peterborough Lido’s website. “There’s nothing better than swimming in sparkling water and being able to look around to see blue skies and green trees while swimming in Peterborough’s fantastic Art Deco heated open-air swimming pool.”
Pure poetry
I learnt to swim at the lido many years ago and still go as a pensioner know it is such a l place my children swam for cops swimming club as well that used to hold some events so much lovely memories we are so lucky to have this pool
Very happy memories of this special place. The lovely Walter Cornelius keeping us all safe, what a what a legend. Sandwiches on the grass and hours of endless fun had by all. So glad to know it has survived and hope it lives on to continue to provide fun to the families of Peterborough.