Trustee Shirley Bond receiving the award from Lord Lieutenant of GloucestershirePhoto credit: Adrian McPherson
On Wednesday 11th October, the Cirencester Community Awards ceremony took place at the King’s Head Hotel in Cirencester, where Cirencester Open Air Swimming Pool Trustees were thrilled to win the 'Award for Innovation' and presented to them by the Lord Lieutenant of Gloucestershire.
The Pool received the award for a number of innovations including:
Adapting to the COVID-19 restrictions and providing a safe and clean outdoor facility for the public for 8 weeks during the Summer of 2020
For developing and expanding our Inclusive Swim provision to provide a safe and secure environment, down to having the same staff and trustees on duty, which is very important for some of our Inclusive Swim attendees.
Organising Youth Evenings each Friday for secondary school age pupils. Putting in measures in place to keep everyone safe and coordinating with the other local organisations and schools. Ensuring the same group of trustees and volunteers were on hand for each session to enable the building of relationships with the young people and encouraging parents of the younger ones to stay and enjoy some refreshments.
Offering the local Primary Schools, the chance to use the pool for a few days after the pool had closed to the general public. A number of schools took up the opportunity giving them opportunity to enjoy the pool free of charge, with lifeguard support but no lessons. Despite the dreadful weather, this was greatly appreciated and it is hoped to be offered again next season