Oliver,

Wandsworth are operating the Department for Culture, Media & Sport [DCMS]
scheme at their pools
BUT Tooting Bec Lido is not included.

Richmond Upon Thames are operating the scheme BUT at Hampton Outdoor Pool,
managed by Kingston and Wimbledon YMCA [KWYMCA] these times are restricted
to weekdays only,
Mon 6am-12noon, Wed 10am-12noon Fri 10am-12noon & 6pm -9pm

Camden are operating the scheme and the Oasis outdoor and indoor pools are
included although I'm not sure yet if times are restricted. Camden was one
of the first boroughs in London to introduce 'Free Swimming' for pensioners
some time ago on production of their bus pass. This was later withdrawn when
they introduced the Leisure Card scheme which meant pensioners, some
students and unemployed could get a third discount provided they produced
evidence.

Corporation of London, Parliament Hill Lido have run early morning free
swimming for over 60's for some time and at Highgate Ponds they are still
operating an optional payment scheme.

Hackney, London Fields Lido, London???

I couldn't get through on the telephone to check if there was any time
restrictions at the Oasis, London Fields Lido or Parliament Hill Fields
Lido. Perhaps someone else can do this at a low peak time as I'm off to
Guernsey for a few days and plan to try out the 'bathing ponds' at St Peter
Port and enjoy the annual 'Freedom from Occupation' festival later in the
week. I wonder if the States of Guernsey are supporting the scheme and will
enquire at the islands Beau Sejour [good time] centre. It looks like the 1st
May with nice sunny weather in the Capital has encouraged people to get in
the swim this morning and pool receptions are busy, I hope so.

Last week I had an early morning swim at Tooting Leisure Centre indoor pool.
The talk in the changing rooms and at the shallow end of the pool by the
regular 'crinkley's', as over 60's are often affectionately referred, was
what a brilliant scheme is was. One even called the Leisure Card a 'Crinkley
Card'.

However, my personal opinion is that the scheme may be doomed to failure NOT
On the success of the scheme encouraging older and younger people to swim
more often but due to the COST of it all with some pools maybe going 'bust'!
Did anyone do the sums on this one properly?

Its only for a 2 year period and in that time the 'Crinkeys' will have had
some time enjoying 'free swimming'. If the scheme is scrapped there will
likely be a march on Parliament that will beat even the recent bank protests
& demonstyrations. [only kidding but you never know.]

Hope this helps.

Peter



-----Original Message-----
From: lidos@... [mailto:lidos@...] On Behalf Of
Oliver Merrington
Sent: 01 May 2009 08:42
To: lidos@...
Subject: Re: [lidos Lidos not included in "Free Swimming" schemes?

Sally wrote yesterday:
> Individual councils have apparently been given discretion about whether to

> include lidos in the free service.

Could people living near local-authority run (or owned) lidos please report
on whether their outdoor pool is included in the free under-16 and/or
over-60s scheme?

It would be could to get the national picture.

Thanks & happy swimming,

Oliver