Author Archives: GJ

The Ponds Film at The Arts Sunday 3rd March

The Ponds + Live Q&A (12A)
the-ponds-still028.png
Sunday 3rd March, 17:30
We’re delighted to welcome directors Patrick McLennan and Samuel Smith for a Live Q&A following this screening.
“Full of uncomplicated happiness in a way that most documentaries aren’t.” 
– 4* The Guardian
 
“A celebration of life and how swimming can make it even better.” 
– Outdoorswimmer.com
 
“A gentle portrait of a part of England which should never be lost.” 
– Everyfilmblog.com
In a world of flux and chaos, it is almost a shock to discover some experiences remain natural, unhurried and unchanged.
In the middle of London lies Hampstead Heath, 320 hectares of forest and parkland plus three swimming ponds. People swim in them all year round, whatever the weather, just as they did in the time of Keats and Constable.
Capturing the beauty of the English seasons, co-directors Patrick McLennan and Samuel Smith filmed the swimmers over 12 months as they laughed, sang, complained, ruminated, philosophised or simply sought respite from all that life threw at them.

A day out at London Fields Lido

London Fields Lido – Wednesday 16th January

A group of 8 people joined our visit to London Fields Lido:

Despite a late start & a slow journey owing to a cancelled train, cold showers at the pool and heavy rain later we all enjoyed the day – the pool was warm, steamy, & uncrowded.

Following our swim we enjoyed a late lunch together at the excellent El Ganso Tapas bar in Broadway Market then walked to Liverpool Street Station for the train back to Cambridge.

We are thinking of making these trips a monthly out of season event.

Are there any views on where we should visit next?

Please leave a message in the comments.

Swim at London fields Open air Pool

A group of us are going to swim in the 50 metre outdoor heated pool in London Fields next Wednesday 16th January.

We will be taking the 10.04 train from Cambridge to Cheshunt on the Liverpool Street line and then changing to the local train for London Fields.

All welcome meet at the station.

More details of the BETTER  lido are here

Better Club Games 2018

Richard and Francis attended the ‘Better Club Games’ on 10th October,
held at the Q.E. Olympic Park in London.

They joined 3 other members of the Cambridge swim team at the Olympic
pool ‘competing’ against Better teams (all over 60s are eligible) from
London and the Southeast.

Other Cambridge members competed in events in the Copper Box – events
such as Table Tennis, Badminton, Cycling and Dominoes.

A great day out with a coach (and T-Shirts) being provided by Better.

Perhaps next year more Friends of Jesus Green Lido will be able to join us?

Sally Goble swims at Jesus Green

Sally Goble has done an excellent post on her Postcards From The Pool blog where she visits the outdoor pools at Woodhall Spa, Bourne, Peterborough, Jesus Green, Letchworth & Hitchin for a 1km swim in each on her return to London, This is what she says about Jesus Green Pool

“Cambridge is my next stop, to Jesus Green Lido. As I walk through the turnstiles, eager to swim, I notice a sign with a lot of rules: no petting, no smoking, no drinking, no photos, no changing on the poolside. Surely this is a place of enjoyment and relaxation? Unheated, narrow, and a spectacular 91m (100 yards) long, it’s like swimming down a long, blue, road — a thing that only happens in my dreams. I pause before I jump in to remind my brain that the water might be chillier than I’ve experienced today. It’s deliciously cool and welcome. A relief in fact. I set off for the other end of the pool, in the far distance, dodging leaves. I watch the world as I swim: lifeguards cleaning and painting and fooling about; a sauna; a few older men sunbathing, their backs pressed against the warm timber walls of the changing rooms; a woman reading a book. My 11 lengths done, I need to press on. As I pack up, a regular tells me breathelessly about her pool and her love for it, and we smile and talk about the delight of swimming knowing exactly how one another feels.”

The whole article is worth a read.

Pool Committee Update

Aug 1st 2018
What a great summer we are having. We hope you are enjoying the Lido this year.

The Committee would like to provide a summary update of our activities and discussions on your behalf.

The Committee is holding regular meetings with GLL/ Better and the City Council about improving:

1. Cleaning – we now have a regular cleaner and more regular checks being carried out

2. Volunteers – are helping with cleaning too

3. Café opening times – more regular and published via Twitter

4. Lifeguards and the use of high visibility chairs

5. Access entry cards for the future to reduce queues

6. Publicity – leaflets printed and distributed across the city

7. Swim tests – a new wristband for children to show they have been tested

8. Fun floats for children

9. Possible introduction of timed swims at peak periods

10. Possible introduction of yoga and other activities, incl a Family Fun Day

We also expect to be involved in plans for celebrating the Lido’s centenary in 2023, and in the City Council’s feasibility study for possible future improvements.

If you have any issues that you would like the Committee to raise, please email: committee@jesusgreenpool.org