Holywell Mead Pool

We are a group of local residents and business professionals that have ambitious plans to ensure our outdoor pool has a viable future. Please register your support today by clicking on the SOS button on the right hand side of this page. Adding your message of support will add weight to our campaign and give our group the support we need to ensure that we keep this unique facility open.

I was dismayed to learn from the Lidos History Society that Holywell Mead swimming pool has been closed. As the current chairman of Hampton open air pool, it is distressing to see another open air pool is closing while Hampton Pool is actually increasing its attendance each year. 

Hampton Pool is a clear example of how open air pools can work. Closed in 1981 by Richmond Council it was reopened by the Hampton Pool Trust in 1985 as a heated open air pool.  It is now open 365 days per year with over 130,000 attendances.  It will launch its 25th Season this Spring Bank Holiday.   

Hampton Pool Ltd – now the Hampton Pool Trust –a “not for profit charity” was set up in 1983/4 by a group of local residents– passionate about the pool. It is this passion for the pool that has kept the pool operating for the last 24 years. 

The business has been growing over the years and, since the refurbishment, the business has grown and diversified. The pool is no longer a summer season cold water open air pool, but a 365 day per year operation with heated water, a gym, a fitness centre for Pilates and Yoga and Spinning, a pool shop and successful café. 

Longer opening hours has encouraged use through-out the day from 06:00-21:00. The swimming lesson program has been developed and is now a major source of income and attracts visitors even on wet or cold days in both the summer and winter. On Christmas day we open from  8am to midday, swim numbers have risen from 700 in 2003 to nearly 1500 Christmas 2008! We have even been able to provide limited access for free swimming for the over 60s in the latest government initiative. 

At 10am this morning I counted 29 people swimming in the main pool, there were 6 “mother and toddlers” having swimming lessons, 2 people having adult swimming lessons, there was a circuit class with 17 people in the gym and 10 people doing yoga in the fitness studio. 8 people were  enjoying a hearty breakfast in the sun on the roof café. 

With enthusiasm and passion, plus some investment and smart management, open air pools do have a future. I wish you all good luck in your efforts to re-open this vital local asset. 

Grahame Hadden 
Chairman
Hampton Pool Trust

Councillor Tony Green has reassured residents that the well-loved open air swimming pool on The Rye will not be bulldozed. Speaking to Simon Farr, reporter with the Bucks Free Press Councillor Green said the pool was being “mothballed” for this summer to save money but the council would consider offers to run the pool.