UPDATE MARCH 2025
Lazonby Pool Refurbishment - Work has started with the target to open at the beginning of May
Please help us in the final stages - we will need volunteers and additional funds for the poll winter cover:
Good News, everybody – 2 weeks ago we had notification that the main project funding has been agreed by the Cumbria Waste Management Environmental Trust who are providing £50,000 - this means that the contractor has now been able to start work. This takes several weeks including the timescale for the new lining to be manufactured which is itself about 4 weeks.
The current preparatory work includes replacement of the old pipework and changing the top geometry of the concrete pool edges for the finger grips - and we have been fortunate to have relatively dry weather this week. We are presently aiming to fill the pool for the first time on or about the 21st of April, with a provisional target of opening on the first Bank Holiday weekend in May - though please note this could depend on the detail of the work it is found necessary to do in such an old pool.
We have already had to increase the time and budget to cope with the need to completely replace all the old pipework, and the new larger anti-entrapment drains at the deep end will need a lot more work because of the underground corrosion of the pipework.
In the lead up to the pool opening we will need to carry out the usual preparation work for other parts of the pool, e.g. tidying the grounds, weeding and checking/recoating the benches, if necessary. We will be circulating proposed workdays, asking for coordinators and volunteers in due course. This year the preparation time will be shorter and will need a concentrated effort, so please consider helping, even if you have not done it before.
One consequence of the additional work required on the pool is that we will now have to raise money for the specialised winter cover that goes over the partially filled pool out of season, as well as finding the increased project costs for the issues mentioned above. So, we will be continuing to raise money both from the Crowdfunder site, by contacting more local businesses and by making an application to Sport England. If you know of any potential donors, please contact us by sending a message through this site, via email ([email protected]) or by phone to 07765393285.
Many thanks to all the pool supporters whose generous contributions have helped the project get started on time, and also thanks again to Bells who have contributed £5000 and act as the main independent sponsor.
Note: CWMET is a long-established charitable body supported by the landfill operators in Cumbria, to provide funds for community projects in the areas around their locations.
Ann & Dave Farrington,
on behalf of Lazonby & District Swimming Pool RCN 1123849
How we’ll spend the money raised
Pools with a liner need to have a special winter cover - because the pool is left partially filled: This could not be paid for with the funds raised to date.
Community impact
The Pool enables a wide range of users of all ages to swim and stay healthy. For example we provide 5 local schools with the ability to run swimming lessons and host events for a variety of local clubs and groups: These include Mencap, the local Scouts, Beavers and Cubs, church groups, as well as adult keep fit and water polo sessions. A very large number of volunteers look after the facilities and run the pool shop.
How you can play your part
There are four simple ways to help us reach our target, and make this project a reality.
1. Make a pledge. Don’t delay if you’re going to support us because momentum is key to our success!
2. Spread the word. Share our project on your social media pages and tell the world to get behind us! The more people we reach, the more support we will get.
3. Offer rewards. Get involved if you are a local business by donating things we can offer to our supporters. We will give you a shout out!
4. Fundraise for us. If you want to run your own fundraiser – maybe a sponsored activity or similar – use the 'contact project' button at the top of our page to let us know. Setting up your own page only takes a few minutes and you won’t need any bank details. Just a fun idea!