Community Pool’s First Easter Holiday
Birtley Community Pool has seen impressive growth and community engagement since reopening in September 2024 as a community-run charity. After being closed for over a year by Gateshead Council, the pool was revived through the dedication of local supporters including the trustees and volunteers, two successful Crowdfunding campaigns, and significant funding from organisations including the Community Ownership Fund, the National Lottery, and The Royal Foundation.
The reopening was marked by a special visit from Prince William and several Olympic swimmers on October 3rd, 2024, a momentous occasion that reinforced the pool’s importance to the local community.
Since then, the pool has flourished, offering a warm, welcoming, and family-friendly environment. The pools are maintained at comfortable temperatures—29°C for the main and improver pools, and 31°C for the small pool—providing a much-needed respite during the colder months. Additionally, new LED lighting has enhanced the brightness and ambiance of the pool area, creating a better experience for both swimmers and spectators.
Yvonne Probert, Chair of Birtley Community Pool Trustees, said: “The benefits of swimming are significant and wide-ranging, and we want to encourage more of the community to experience those benefits by participating in activities at our pool.”
Swimming is an essential life skill that promotes cardiovascular health, burns calories, and supports mental wellbeing. It is especially beneficial for older adults, pregnant women, those with disabilities, and individuals recovering from injuries. Swimming also fosters social interaction, whether during a family fun session, an aquafit class, or a public swim.
Birtley Community Pool caters to all ages and abilities, operating seven days a week. Whether visitors are looking to swim for fitness, refine their technique, or simply have fun with family, there is something for everyone. Swimmers can choose from multi speed lane swimming, aquafit classes and family fun sessions on the inflatables, while floating sound bath sessions give swimmers a unique and calming well-being experience”
With swimming lessons and affordable pricing and a monthly membership option, the pool ensures accessibility for all. Public swimming starts at 6:15 AM on weekdays and 7:00 AM on weekends, with lane swimming available until late on selected days. Evening swim sessions run until 9:30 PM on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
The pool also features vending machines offering hot drinks and snacks, a range of swimwear and swimming accessories for sale, free Wi-Fi, a large spectator area with seating, and a soft play zone for young children.
Matthew Grant, Treasurer of Birtley Community Pool Trustees, commented: “Our regular customers are enjoying these activities and giving us great feedback. It’s been a good six months and the faith all our team have put into the pool has paid off, with the local community being the overall winner. If you haven’t yet visited us, please come along, try one of our activities, and support this invaluable community asset.”
For more information on activities, pricing, and the pool timetable, visit www.birtleycommunitypool.org.uk.
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Photo: Manager Lewis Herbertson and Treasurer Matthew Grant (Steve Brock Photography)
PR and Media keith@highlightspr.co.uk 07814 397951