Hundreds of locals indulged in nostalgia at an open day arranged by Save Grange Lido Ltd, the Community Benefit Society who are planning on restoring the iconic pool.
The event, held at the Victoria Hall in Grange was designed to celebrate the art deco gem on the Promenade, and hear memories from people who used to work and swim at the open-air pool.
The open day featured memorabilia saved from the now abandoned facility alongside photos, press clippings and stories from the pool in its heyday.
The centrepiece of the exhibition was a display of dozens of trophies and shields from Grange Swimming Club. Many of them date back to the 1940s and have not been seen since the pool closed in 1993.
One of the organisers Denise Armstrong from SGL said: “It was incredible to hear so many memories from the glory days of this wonderful pool. The highlight for me was seeing people find their names on the swimming trophies and tell their stories.”
It’s been a busy week for Grange Lido as the pool was featured in the ITV drama The Bay as part of a major plotline.
The open day was also an opportunity for SGL to showcase their plans for restoring the complex which includes a 50 metre, six lane pool for competitive swimming, a smaller heated pool and a spa, restaurant and shop.
David Dawson, Company Secretary for SGL, said: “We really wanted to give people the opportunity to see our exciting plans for the pool, ask questions and meet the team. For anyone who didn’t manage to make it along, we are planning more events in the summer. And if anyone has any historic photos of the pool we would love to see them.”
Save Grange Lido are fundraising to restore the iconic art deco swimming pool following South Lakeland District Council’s phase one project to restore the buildings surrounding the pool.
