WORCESTER residents are being invited to make a splash at the city’s new £10.5million swimming pool which opens its doors this weekend.
And ahead of the new era, staff member Margaret Bastable, who has worked at the pool since it first opened in 1967, was handed the honour of locking up Sansome Walk for the final time.
Freedom Leisure, operators on behalf of Worcester City Council of its leisure centres, asked Mrs Bastable, known to her team as Marg, if she would do the honours as she has worked at the venue since day one.
Marg started working at Worcester Swimming Pool when it opened in 1967, as a smaller outdoor pool which was moved into the current building in 1970 and still worked on reception.
With more than 49 years of service at the community facility means she has many stories to tell! Marg said the pool was initially outside and swim admission cost just 4 and a half pence.
“Back in those days’ people didn’t have baths at home and would come to us for what was called a slipper bath,” she said.
“It was common for customers to follow their bath with poached egg on toast, costing seven and a half pence. I have loved my 49 years of service at Worcester Swimming Pool and many members of my family have work at the pool with me along the way too.
“I really have made many friends over the years and have lots happy memories. It is an honour to lock the building up for the last time.
“I would like to say thank you to everyone at the centre, staff and visitors, it has been a pleasure,” she added.
Lee Thomas, Freedom Leisure area manager, said: “It was a very fond farwell that we bid to the pool at Sansome Walk and the end of an era, however, the new pool at Perdiswell certainly promises to deliver against the communities swimming and fitness needs!
“We couldn’t think of anyone better to lock the doors for the final time than Marg.
“She has been an important part of the pool’s history as well as an integral part of the team and as Marg has decided to retire along with the pool, we wanted to pay tribute to her hard work by giving her the honour.
“Everyone at Freedom Leisure wishes her all the best for her retirement.”
The team are inviting everyone in the area to visit the new centre this weekend (January 6 and 7), which not only boasts a brand new, eight-lane, 25-metre competition standard pool and separate learning/activities pool, but has also seen a major refurb to gym, fitness suite and reception area. The gym has received the latest state-of-the art equipment and three new studios have been added, with the ‘freedom café’ serving Costa coffee.
A host of events and offers will be available during the weekend, call 01905 457189 or visit www.freedom-leisure.co.uk for more information.
