About the History of Weardale Open Air Swimming Pool

When Stanhope Rural Council was absorbed by the Wear Valley District Council in the early l970's, it was decided to use a residue of funds for the benefit of the community. The idea of a swimming pool, originated by one James Rainey Masterton, was agreed upon; the site - land situated on the rural edge of Stanhope in the Castle Park - was leased through the Charity Commission at a nominal rent and more money was provided by the rural district council and raised by the community, local businesses and the regular holiday caravanners. A lot of building work was carried out free of charge by local firms.

The Pool is the only public heated open air pool in the County and has charity status. It opened in 1974 and for many years was well enjoyed and supported. But by l997, funds were scarce, vandalism rife and support for the pool at its lowest. There were only three remaining active Committee members, two of whom were retiring, and a Public Meeting was held on 8.10.97 to decide the future, if any, of the Pool. Just prior to this Public Meeting, an application was made to the Lottery Fund by the then Secretary, in haste to catch an entry date. This application failed, and was doomed to fail, because the Lottery Fund categorically excluded outdoor swimming pools, a point possibly missed by the Secretary at the time. However, 25 people attended the Public Meeting. Out of these 25, a new voluntary Management Committee was formed of five officers and six volunteers and, with a few changes, still operates today. Other volunteers seasonally come forward for specific tasks, and this help is invaluable.

It has to be said that great strides have been made since the new Committee was formed and the community acknowledge this. This is mainly due to the availability of funding opportunities today, which were hitherto not there for the former volunteers. Funding availability was therefore researched by the present Secretary by attending meetings and seminars. After many applications, successful grants were obtained from County Durham Foundation, CDENT, LEADER II and Stanhope Playground Committee plus local businesses, enabling the purchase of an insulated night-time pool cover to conserve heat, a lifeguard lookout chair, picnic tables and chairs with sunshades, flower planters , children's slide and springboard. A LEADER II grant for much needed publicity has provided funds for a new nameplate over the Pool's front door, signboard in the car park and portable swing boards, plus photocopier and laminator. A grant of £4,950 from Lloyds TSB in 2000 funded the Disabled facilities. .

Recent grants have enabled the committee to replace both the boilers. The changing rooms and kitchen have been refurbished after receipt of a DCC Neighbourhod Renewal Community Chest grant. Thanks to a substantial Market Town Initiative Grant and match funding from County Durham Foundation, additional water treatment equipment, a 'spongy' non abrasive pool surround, new picnic tables and new fencing have been installed. New Flood lighting is to be installed soon

The Management Committee and volunteers carry out all the preparation work needed at beginning and end of season. The beginning means emptying the Pool and finishing off with a pump, removing accumulated junk e.g. planks, stones, the odd bike, chair etc. kindly donated by jokers over the winter! - then pressure-hosing for hours to remove grime, repairs to any tiling, then refilling for a week. Similar treatment is given to the toddlers' pool. Meanwhile the paved surrounds are weeded and cleaned. The changing rooms and kitchen are spring-cleaned and painted. And lots more besides. A rota of Lifeguards (generally qualified local 6th formers and university undergraduates) are employed during the season and paid from ticket and café sales.

Future aims are to give the Pool a higher standard thereby benefiting the community and also attracting tourists. This will encourage children to learn to swim, a priority in this rural area of rivers, reservoirs and flooded quarries. The area is deprived of facilities; the Committee would like clubs to be formed, water sports organised, competitions and school galas revived. On summer days, the Pool is the nearest thing that deprived children of the area ever get to a holiday environment.

The ticket office/shop sells (some) swimwear and accessories in addition to the usual sweets and snacks. Many visitors to our monthly fund-raising Sunday morning car boot fairs 'discover' the Pool for the first time and to stay till opening time for a swim. Since taking over, this Committee has lengthened and changed the opening hours.

Setbacks occurred, for instance, in midwinter l999 a leak in the pool had to be traced, then repaired. This took months and even experts could not find the cause and of course there was no money even if they did. Finally, our own volunteer expert found the leak. The repairs were carried out by the Chairman and Treasurer in weeks of their own time, with their own machinery.

Total refurbishment would provide the County with an excellent asset, unique in the Pennines. By some stroke of luck, the Pool is situated in a real 'sun-trap' and on fine days has been likened to being abroad! The insulated cover maintains the water temperature at an average 80 F whatever the weather.

The Committee will not rest until Weardale's Pool is famous - for its situation in lovely surroundings, its many aspects - pleasure, exercise, sports, training and pure fun. Wish us luck!

WOASPA is a registered charity No. 517675