Take pride in our pools

Published: 29 July, 2010

• I COULD hardly contain my excitement as I awaited my first swim at the refurbished Kentish Town Sports Centre.

I was lucky enough to be at the opening ceremony alongside Mark Foster, the famous Olympic and world champion who has served our country so well as a great ambassador for swimming.

I couldn’t help thinking as I stood on the poolside just how lucky and grateful everyone who uses it should be.

There is nothing to criticise – the three pools and gym facilities are fabulous and all ages and abilities have been catered for.

The facilities for disabled swimming are excellent, too. 

Thanks have to be extended to the architects who listened to what people wanted and applied their designs accordingly, without imposing their own wishes on them.

Appreciation must be extended to Councillor Flick Rea and her team from Camden Council who encouraged the setting up of the user group of which I am proud to be a member and who all listened intently to ideas people produced to make the facilities the best they could.

The builders, Wates, have done a brilliant job refurbishing the beautiful Victorian building, restoring it to the highest standard for years to come.

The operators GLL have displayed ultimate professionalism and consideration in being involved with designing and implementing the programme of use so that everyone can be included in something or other. 

I was present in 1960 for the first opening following refurbishment of the pools.

I was lucky enough to swim with Anita Lonsborough, the Olympic gold medalist, as I was a local swimming champion, swimming for St Pancras, London, and Middlesex County.

It was a memorable occasion for me then and even more memorable now because I am so proud and privileged to have been involved in the campaign to stop the baths from closing, as well as being involved from start to finish in the process of seeing them being saved and rebuilt for many years to come.

A great big thank you to everyone who has been involved.

What has been achieved is brilliant.

BRENDA HUMPHREYS
Chair London Schools’ Swimming Association and lifelong
Kentish Town resident