Thanks to Keith from the Waterside Community Trust for this latest news. In his own words. Ed
It is widely thought that swimming pools don’t make money. That is why councils are trying to close them all over the country.
However here in Ryde, a group of volunteers and Trustees have shown in the last 12 months this needn’t be the case.
First year anniversary
Waterside Pool on Ryde’s Esplanade is getting ready to celebrate its first year of operation as a ‘Not for Profit’ company. With its friendly, welcoming staff and vibrant atmosphere it is now the place to swim.
A target for demolition
In 2011 Isle of Wight Council faced with having to make swinging cuts in services, had no option but to close this lovely, but loss making facility and to bring in the bulldozers.
The unique glass structure enclosing the pool may well create a bright and light environment in which to swim and the Canoe Lake a pleasant outlook, but operational costs and in particular, heating were just too high and made it a target for demolition.
Membership has doubled
Fortunately for local people, County Councillors accepted a bid to operate from a group of local residents and Waterside Community Trust was born.
Almost one year later the pool is a thriving and busy place – membership has doubled to 550, school usage is at its maximum, water aerobics is hugely popular, extra swimming teachers have been recruited to cope with demand, children’s parties have lots of new water toys to entertain them and a number of clubs make full use of any leftover time slots.
Staff supported by a whole army of volunteers have begun to transform the place and a thriving snack bar has opened poolside.
Goals of the Trust
Waterside Community Trust started with two goals; to continue to provide a swimming pool in Ryde and to save jobs.
A year on, the trust can proudly claim to have achieved both goals and to have developed new jobs – The trust successfully operated the ‘Swan Pedalo’s’ on the Canoe Lake and took on Ryde’s Beach Lifeguard franchise over the summer, creating a number of temporary jobs some of which have turned into part time poolside work. Recently the trust took on a young person as an apprentice and a second such appointment is to follow soon.
The trust is confident that 2013 will be a good year – a successful bid to Isle of Wight Council’s Economic Improvement Fund led to planning consents to improve the area once occupied by a paddling pool and a training pool. It is hoped that a pleasant, safe place to relax with small children can be created in this presently derelict space.
First reporting meeting next month
Assisted in its work by Ryde Town Council (a Councillor sits on the Board) and of course by the local community, the trust has got off to a flying start and can report that it is financially on a sound footing.
Indeed Waterside Community Trust will hold a public ‘Reporting Meeting’ on its first year of operations. This will be held at the Simeon Arms, Ryde on Wednesday 12th December for all with an interest in this local facility.
Trustees would like to thank the volunteers, local businesses and of course that most important group of all, its customers, for their continued support.
Image: You as a machine under CC BY 2.0
