Gloomy weather didn’t take the shine off the re-opening of Brightlingsea Lido on midsummer’s day when it welcomed swimmers back for the first time since September 2019.
Herculean efforts by a team of volunteers and specialist workers were required to get the community asset open, with a huge amount of work required to repair the damage caused when the pool was inundated by a tidal surge in early 2020. With replacement pumps, electrics and chemical dosing systems in the plant room water quality is now said to be excellent, the pool and surrounds are pristine, and the front of house team are ready to welcome swimmers and getting to grips with a new online booking system.
The first two people in the pool were Alison Barnes and Angela Maset from Guildford and Oxford respectively, followed by Neil and Juleigh Gordon-Orr from London. celebrating their 24th wedding anniversary with a swimming tour of the area. A clutch of local teenagers jumped straight into the deep end and 20 lane swimmers completed the day with an evening session.
“It’s great to be back and fully operational,” said Lido trustee Mick Barry. “We have carried out several months’ work in just over six weeks, which makes this transformation even more remarkable.”
He added: “We are working to a much-reduced capacity with Covid safety paramount, but hope to be back to full working order when we are allowed. Thanks to everyone involved. Summer will arrive!”
To make an online booking, visit https://brightlingsealido.nuwebgroup.com
Wedding anniversary swimmers – Neil and Juleigh Gordon-Orr
First swimmers – left to right, Alison Barnes & Angela Maset, with lifeguard Caitlin and pool manager Nicki
Front of house team
