If it is a case that they have registered for online bookings in the past but can’t remember their password and need it reset, or they have set up a new account but the e-mail address is linked to an old account then we can do this at centre level so get people to email matt.hill@gll.org or George.pemberton@gll.org for those specific issues.
The pool will open officially on 25 July 2020. There will be some free Friends’ sessions (bookable) on Friday 24 July. The season will run to 30 August 2020.
Hours of operation will be Monday to Friday 07.00 to 19.00 hours; weekends 10.00 to 18.00 hours. Last bookable entry one hour before closure.
Important points to note and observe
All sessions are bookable in advance, one hour slots – running every ten minutes to spread arrivals and departures. There is an App: Better UK which can be used to arrange membership (eg Pay and Play) and for booking sessions. Otherwise book via their website. Sessions can be booked up to five days in advance for non-members and seven days for members. The recommendation is to get registered via the App in advance.
Better have created a circular access and exit route around the facility. Please see the web-link at the end for guidance. There will be one inside shower available and one outside at either end, separate for men and women.
Only adults and children over the age of 11 years will be admitted, for lane swimming only. No sauna, no catering.
This means a different feel to the normal season, but we are very fortunate that Better and the Council have made considerable efforts to get the Lido open, so we all need to book and swim!
We recently wrote to the local councillors after we had meetings with BETTER & council officers and received the following speedy response from Councillor, Cheney Payne:
Date: 17 Jun 2020
Dear Mr Hudson,
I have had an update from the officers that they are already starting to plan for the re-opening – they don’t have a date yet but are keen to have the pool open as soon as possible, and will let me know their timeline once they have had chance to think it through further. I will keep you informed as I find out more concrete information: but the wheels are in motion. I’ll keep checking in, as I think it is really important we have the pool open as quickly as possible.
Best Wishes,
Cheney
In reply to Will’s letter below:
Dear Councillors
Opening of Jesus Green Lido 2020
We all appreciate that the City Council, GLL, local businesses and many individuals are facing
multiple financial, physical and psychological strains in these unprecedented times. The current
pandemic has affected us all, but with the current easing of the lockdown, Swim England has now
produced five key Pool Reopening Guidelines www.swimming.org that include operator and user guidelines. So following these guidelines the Friends of Jesus Green Lido would like to see the pool open as soon as possible.
Currently as of the morning of 16th June 2020 the pool is empty, so being realistic the lead-up time to getting the pool ready, getting staff in place and importantly, trained in effective procedures that must be in place to ensure everyone’s safety is 2-3 weeks. Effective procedures will include online booking, signage and user guidance specifically for Jesus Green Lido. This facility could be ready by early July.
I mentioned in the opening paragraph the psychological impact of the pandemic, the opening of the pool would benefit many users who for whatever reason are unable to participate in other activates. The benefits of open air swimming are well documented.
We would welcome your support to ensure this fantastic and unique facility in Cambridge is re-
opened for the remainder of the season for the benefit of all.
A swift response would be most welcome.
Yours Sincerely
Will Hudson
On behalf of Friends Jesus Green Lido
Message from Daryl Eaves, BETTER Cambridge Partnership Manager
Hi All,
Firstly as is customary I hope you and your loved ones are safe and well.
It would normally be around this time I would be sending a last minute message to remind everyone about the Lido opening (it was due to be open from this Friday 8th May 2020).
Sadly it’s not to be and so with the help of my 10 year old daughter here’s a little something that we made for you to hopefully fill a little of the void of not being able to meet up on the pool’s edge. It’s a little quiet at the start so you may need to turn up the volume a bit.
Please feel free to share the link with anyone you know will appreciate it but just a note this is not an approved video from a media point of view and is simply hoping to provide a bit of cheer in these mad times.
Take care everyone and hopefully, we’ll be able to meet again soon (somewhere over the rainbow!)
Many friends may well remember Sue Warrington, who died at her home last Monday,9th March. Her son,Ian, wishes friends to be told and a further announcement about a funeral date and arrangements will be made in due course. In the meantime, if you wish to know anything, contact Francis Jeans, Cambridge 367467 but not to contact the family at the moment.
Sue was a great regular at the pool or over 30 years and would have been known by many people. She will be greatly missed not only at the pool but at all the parties and trips to Dunwich which she attended until her husband Trevor died 4 years ago.
Firstly our visit to Park Road Baths, Crouch End on 27th January: –
Seven of us enjoyed the trip to this 50 metre lido with excellent facilities, friendly & helpful staff and easy access from Cambridge by train and bus (or car). The water was warm (about 24 C) and the weather was fine initially although there was heavy rain as we left. An enjoyable day out except that one of our group was taken to hospital with suspected hypothermia – however, she soon recovered and returned to Cambridge later in the day!! Other pictures taken on the day are here & here
Proposed visit to another London Lido:
For those who couldn’t make the Monday appointment, we are planning another visit to Charlton Lido on a Tuesday and the details are as follows:
Date – Tuesday 25th February.
Visit – Charlton Lido, Hornfair Park, SE18 4LX – 50 metre outdoor heated pool. Note that the pool closes at 1400 and reopens at 1600 – also that it is closed on Wednesday and Thursday.
https://www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/london/greenwich/charlton-lido
Unfortunately, the cafe at the pool is closed during the winter but there are other cafes nearby. We usually visit and can recommend:
Old Cottage Coffee Shop Cafe in Charlton Park
Travel arrangements – we aim to travel on the 09.24 train from Cambridge to London Blackfriars then a quick same platform change for the train to Charlton – then about 20 mins walk to the pool.
Senior railcard fare (off peak) £20.45 return but for younger Network card holders the fare would be £31.00 (but £20.45 on the 10.24 train)
p.s. “Also, travel by road is easy I’m told”
Contact on the day (Phone, text or WhatsApp) Richard on 07802 626821
The Lido will be closing at 7.00pm each evening next week with last entry at 6.30pm. This is from Monday 16th September through to the final day on Sunday 22nd September.
This decision has been made for the safety of users and staff who still have to close up the facility after the Lido has closed to the public.
Many thanks for your understanding in this matter.
With the end of the season in 2 weeks on Sunday 22nd September, we are pleased to announce our annual sea swim and get together on October 13th in Felixstowe
All welcome!
Richard has pointed out the following train service for this year:
We have organised an event to carry out a litter pick walk on Jesus Green (and possible Midsummer Common as well if enough people turn up!) and wanted to know if you were interested/able to help promote our event and try and reach as many people as possible.
It will be held on Sunday the 14th of July from 10 am to 11 am (so not too long a time) meeting at and ending up at the Jesus Green Lido so we can use bathrooms and relax with a nice coffee and a small cake after.
Families are more than welcome and it could be a nice group activity as well. The pool has offered to give anyone who attends use of the pool after the event so it should be a great opportunity to get out, get moving, help keep our parks clean and then have a nice relaxing swim in the (hopefully/fingers crossed) nice weather.
Anyone who participates will also get a gift card worth £5 to use in the store (and I will also offer them a small 10% discount to go with it).
