Template:Courier-OCT-25-23

From Claygate

SO MANY REASONS FOR LOVING THE COMMUNITY POOL

There are many reasons for swimmers to love Claygate Community Pool-it can be an oasis of calm and cooiness. or a place to set goals, recover, relax and connect. To find out what the pool, in the grounds of Claygate Primary School, means to its regular users, several were asked to share their experiences:

  • Fitness goals and charity challenges: For many, the pool is a training ground, with swimmers clocking up laps as they prepare for triathlons or build stamina for big events, such as the Serpentine Swim. One local fundraiser said, "I swam the equivalent of the English Channel —all in the Claygate Community Pool this summer — to raise money for charity.
  • Recovery and rehab: Water is a lifeline for recovery Aquatic exercise supports movement without strain, helping people bounce back after injury or surgery. A hip replacement patient commented: "The pool gave me the freedom to move again without pain."
  • Calm and focus: Swimming clears the mind as well as the body and many use the pool to relax. Students find it helps them prepare for stressful times. One sixth-former explained: "A morning swim session at Claygate Community Pool clears my head and calms my nerves before studying."
  • Fun and family time: The pool is also a place for simple enjoyment-families come to splash and play while others enjoy a peaceful float on a Monday evening after a busy day. One seeker of serenity said: "The pool is my little escape-45 minutes of calm."
  • Learning and connection: From first swimming lessons with Angel Swim, through school swimming to lifelong friendships, pools help people develop skilis and build bonds. A social swimmer said: "I came for the exercise but stayed for the friends."

From epic swims to recovery, relaxation and family fun, Claygate Community Pool is more than just water. It's here for everyone in the village, whether as a member or by booking into its partner-provided sessions, it's affordable, welcoming and accessible. The water is maintained at a constant and comfortable 30°C, using only green energy.

There is no waiting list and joining is easy, via the link at www.claygatecommunitypool.co.uk. Booking and paying for swim sessions is simple, with a secure, user-friendly online platform. The pool and community room can also be hired for parties on Saturday and Sunday lunchtimes. There are clubs and groups, enabling swimmers to make like-minded friends, train to compete or take their first ever swimming lessons. The pool is available for hire by teachers or trainers: anyone running a club or providing swimming-related coaching should inquire about hiring the pool.

VOLUNTEERS RECOGNISED

Volunteers who work hard to ensure the Community Pool is up and running for each swimming session were awarded Surrey Community Champion certificates by Saj Hussain, Surrey County Council Chairman for 2024-25.

The six volunteers — Clive Thompson, Brian Howells, Gavin Potts, Peter Whitehead, Gemma Brickwood and Mark Aulds, representing the whole team — attended a presentation lunch at Surrey's headquarters in Reigate. The awards recognise "local residents who put the needs of others above their own and work so tirelessly and selflessly to improve the lives of others".

The pool is run by volunteers. Any adult who can spare 45 minutes on a weekday morning to act as a poolside volunteer is encouraged to email claygatepoolmembership@gmail.com. Find out more at www.claygatecommunitypool.co.uk

Retrieved from "http://claygate.org.uk/index.php?title=Template:Courier-OCT-25-23&oldid=14384"