Template:Courier-OCT-24-14a
POOL MAKES A BIG SPLASH—THANKS TO VOLUNTEERS
Claygate Community Pool is a perfect example of what a local community can achieve through voluntary participation. What was once a summer-only open-air pool reopened in April last year as a fully enclosed state-of-the-art swimming facility.
Now 18 months old, the pool still relies extensively on volunteers but recently welcomed Jono Eskin, who has become pool plant manager in a part-time capacity.
The team was also pleased to welcome Monica Harding, Esher and Walton’s newly elected MP, to the pool recently. She dropped in to meet some of the volunteers and explore ways of helping and supporting the facility’s development.
One example of this is the prospective enhancement of the building’s solar generation capacity—with help from Claygate Parish Council and Elmbridge Borough Council. Increasing the number of panels on the pool roof and installing a new battery storage system would make this possible.
Discussions on funding for this will begin towards the end of this year. It’s hoped that many of the organisations involved in the original funding for the project will be able to help with this next stage of the pool’s evolution.
With 600 members, Claygate Community Pool enjoys great support from people living in the village. Membership is open to all Claygate residents, with expansion of the boundaries to cover parts of Hinchley Wood and the area of Esher beyond Arbrook Lane under consideration.
As well as a place for local members to swim, the pool is a hub for many local organisations: Kingston Royals Swimming Club provides lessons for juniors, which increases access to training for local residents; Claygate Scouts, Bupa Wingham Court Care Home and Angel Swim also use the pool for services ranging from rehabilitation to mother-and-toddler swim sessions. And, of course, the pupils of Claygate Primary School enjoy regular swimming lessons run for the school by Kingston Royals’ coaches.
The pool can also be used for birthday parties for children aged eight and over. Party times are available on Saturday and Sunday lunchtimes and include exclusive use of the pool for an hour followed by use of the community room for the celebration.
To join Claygate Community Pool, email claygatecommunitypoolmembership@gmail.com
