The thing is ... as a councillor we once knew said to an officer we once knew, "If you let these people do this in their evenings, after they have done a day at their own work, what is the point of you and me?". Hopefully that frame of mind does not exist here

"The future of a unique 19th century swimming pool could now lie in private hands.

A senior politician has decided that the Cleveland Baths in Hampton Row, which have not been in regular use since 1978, should be put on the open market.

A charitable trust had wanted to be given a lease to breathe new life into what are the oldest open-air public baths in Britain.

The facility, the only public Georgian swimming baths in the country, can trace its history back to the early 19th century and is owned by Bath and North East Somerset Council.

The Cleveland Pools Trust has been set up by local campaigners to bring the baths back into use, but if it wants the property it will now have to bid against other would-be buyers."

(Via The future of a unique 19th century swimming pool could now lie in private hands.: .)

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| national news | 17 December 2007; 9:21:42 PM |# | | Discuss |

"Protesters fighting a legal battle to stop Derby City Council demolishing a swimming pool told a judge they wanted enough compensation to cover the cost of repairs.

As a five-day hearing at Birmingham High Court drew to a close yesterday, Gayton Community Association told Judge David Oliver QC that their priority was to keep Gayton pool in Littleover open.

Alex Dumbill, for the group, said: "The only reason the association brought this case was that they saw the bulldozers on the horizon and had no other option.

"A derisory award of damages would be little more than insulting to the members of the community association. In my view, the best approach to damages would be the cost of the repairs."

Earlier in the week, the council estimated repairs at £800,000. However, the community association said the figure was more like £115,000.

At the end of the hearing, Christopher Harrington, who launched legal action against the council with fellow trustee Alan Willis, said the association was not interested in being compensated. He said: "The pool would be an immeasurable loss to all our members.

"All along we have not been seeking financial damages, just to see the pool open again, at least until the end of our lease in 2013.""

(Via Protesters fighting a legal battle to stop Derby City Council demolishing a swimming pool told a judge they wanted enough compensation to cover the cost of repairs.As a five-day hearing...: .)

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| pools at risk | 17 December 2007; 7:13:46 PM |# | | Discuss |

What: World Winter Swimming Championships
Where: Tooting Bec Lido, London [getting there]
When: 8-10 February 2008

Swimmers of all abilities are invited to take part in the World Winter Swimming Championships held at Tooting Bec Lido - the UK's largest cold-water open-air swimming pool - on 8-10 February 2008. Hosted by South London Swimming Club (SLSC), you'll be able to swim the official 'head up' breaststroke in waters close to freezing to compete for a world title!

This is the first time the World Winter Swimming Championships will be held in the UK and the event is expected to attract hundreds of competitors from across Scandinavia as well as countries such as Russia, China, Australia and Canada.

You don't need to be an experienced cold water swimmer to enter; you just need to be enthusiastic. Races are categorised by age and distance – if you're interested in taking part check out the swimming categories.

Average water temperatures in February will be a toe-curling 3°C but the welcome will be warm for all swimmers and spectators alike.

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| London Borough of Wandsworth | 17 December 2007; 3:48:42 PM |# | | Discuss |

He ain't Punxsutawney Phil but the weather does sound like it will be Groundhog Day.

"Are we going to have to break the ice for our festive swims this year? Doesn't look like it.

After a settled 'blocked' autumn where high pressure dominated, we've now switched into a 'zonal' pattern with a powerful jet stream sweeping in storm after storm from the Atlantic. For those who like me like it wild, wet and mild that's good news.

Those who'd prefer 'traditional' crisp, cold winter weather look to be disappointed. The most you are likely to see are shortlived wintry blasts lasting a day or two before mild S-Westerlies resume.

Remember, the long-range forecast is for a mild winter (December, January, February) although not quite as mild as the last.

It'll be interesting to see how the winter progresses.

Wildswimmer Pete"

(Via SwimClub.co.uk Forums Winter '07-'08: .)

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| outdoor swimming | 17 December 2007; 11:12:21 AM |# | | Discuss |