An exhibition of photographs by Ruth Corney Lauderdale House, N6; 15th-27th January 2008

A new photographic exhibition showing Hampstead Heath through the eyes of its visitors opens to the public next month.

Taking The Plunge: An exhibition of photographs by Ruth Corney features around 50 images of the Heath – focussing particularly on the lido and bathing ponds - which capture the changing seasons. These include a summer downpour at the Ladies’ pond, a deserted, snow-covered lido and the Christmas Day race at the Men’s bathing pond.

Ruth said: “I try to capture the Heath as it appears to all those who use it – the architecture and wonderful reflective qualities of the water at the lido, the unique stillness of the Ladies’ bathing pond and the different atmospheres at the lido and the ponds." Further information at www.ruthcorney.com

| Hampstead Heath | 5 January 2008; 9:28:43 PM |# | | Discuss |

"OLYMPIC dreams could be shattered by the closure of Llangeinor Pool, according to the borough’s top swimming coach.

Phil Melhuish, head coach of Bridgend Swim Squad, said competitive swimming in the borough is in crisis because there are not enough pools and the squad can't get enough pool time. And that means the Olympic aspirations of top swimmers like Sara Lougher and Hayley Roberts could be in jeopardy, particularly if Llangeinor Pool does not reopen.

It was closed without warning at the end of 2007 for work on its heating system, but an inspection revealed a small quantity of asbestos beneath the insulation cladding in the boiler room.

The total cost of the work, including removal of the asbestos, is more than £25,000."

(Via Swimming: Drowning our Olympic hopes - icWales: .)

| Wales | 5 January 2008; 1:09:04 AM |# | | Discuss |