This morning is the first day in a new era for the Waterside Pool in Ryde. It’s opened as an independent, with the Waterside Community Trust having taken control of it from the council yesterday.
Great work to them all. It’s really encouraging to see what can happen when a group of people come together, driven by a passion not to let a local amenity be closed by a local authority.
Keith Gentleman told VentnorBlog, “We are pleased to say everyone has kept their job and transferred to us. We have a keen and happy team backed by a number of volunteers ready to welcome customers to Waterside Pool. If customers have any questions our team will be happy to respond via [email protected]”
A year of effort
VentnorBlog broke the original story that the Waterside Pool might close about a year ago. Since then it’s been a tough year for all concerned, including the staff at the pool.
They knew the pool had been marked for closure, but they didn’t know if the self-described ‘enthusiastic amateurs’ in what became the Waterside Community Trust (a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee), would be able to arrange the take-over or run the venue.
We spoke to them on the phone this morning and it all sounds very jolly there. Quite right too.
New Website too
They’ve also got a new Website up too at RydePool.co.uk.
