Pells Pool Barn Dance - Town Hall

Last year the Pells Pool, which is run by enthusiasts with £10,000 a year funding from the Town Council, recorded a very profitable summer, which means that they are more than half way towards buying new equipment to improve the pool. “Mainly because of the wonderful weather in June and July we made a profit of £35,000,” says John Stockdale, of the Pells Pool Community Association. The money is pumped back into the business, but more is needed. “We need to match that with funding and the proceeds from events in order to modernise the plumbing of the pool. We need a new filtration system, which will allow the pool water to be changed every five hours instead of every 24 hours. This will allow us to open for longer hours.” Currently the pool is limited to opening from 12pm-7pm.

Last year the best fundraising event was a barn dance. “This appeals to young teenagers and families, who are our main clientele,” continues John. Tonight the band Malarkey will be playing and calling the steps in the Town Hall. There are more plans afoot to improve the pool, the oldest existing outdoor one in the country, in the near future. “We are looking to modernise the facilities and catering, for which we will need to raise £400,000”. The Pells is a rare success story, despite the current countrywide lido craze. “People come from as far as Brighton and Haywards Heath to swim there,” continues John. “One of our members went to a lido conference this year, and ours was the only one which was running at a profit.” AG