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Passing through the lido gates a bygone era of big swim suits and slow crawl springs to mind. White and crisp there is nostalgia for these open air swimming pools that has only recently been heeded. And only just in time. In their pre-Sixties heyday we had hundreds. By 1991, just 120 remained; now there are fewer than 50. These open air pools represent a unique part of our cultural and architectural heritage and their existence hangs in the balance.

Whether hampered by councils unwilling to pay maintenance or visitors who prefer wave machines and warmth the lido has had a hard fight to stay alive.

In Penzance the Jubilee Pool fans out into the bay. It is the largest tidal pool still in use in the UK and quite possibly the most photographed. Its Art Deco design is classically 1930's, bringing to mind the cruise line glamour that so inspired the era.

"No other building is so evocative of inter-war holidays than the lido or open air swimming pool"

Efforts by vociferous campaigners have long kept the pool from closure. Expensive to maintain, their fundraising helped to keep the pool going during the lido cull of the 1980's. Deemed by many to be one of a kind, in 1993 the pool was the first in the UK to be Grade II listed. This however is not guarantee of its survival. Whilst the building is now protected, its use is not and 'friends of the pool' still maintain their vigilant efforts to keep it afloat. Requiring six life guards to be on duty at any one time, the council only provide funding for four. This leaves volunteers manning the gaps; for them a happier settlement than closure.

"Jutting out into Mount's Bay like the prow of a gracious ocean liner... swimming within its streamlined walls is a fabulous experience, so much more exhilarating than a swim in a modern indoor pool."
Martin Nixon - Chairman of The Friends of the Pool

From Tinside to Tooting bec, lidos countrywide have been bolstered by equally enthusiastic support. Indeed, their popularity does seem to be on the up, helped along by people such as Janet Smith, the author of Liquid Assets and a campaigner for the benefits of outdoor pools. Lavishly illustrated with both archive and contemporary photographs, Liquid Assets highlights some of the nation's outstanding architectural examples. Inspiring devotion in their followers, lidos may yet see their renaissance.

"The term Lido comes from the name of a place in Venice where bathing took place."

Rebecca runs the Poolside Café at Jubilee. She also takes a regular dip. She says "I tend to go in at about 5pm. The kitchen gets so hot it's a welcome cool down. The pool isn't heated - only by the sun - during a good summer the temperature hovers around 19 degrees. We have lots of regulars that come every day. I bake fresh cakes every morning and they come in after their swim. It's usually the Lemon Drizzle that goes first."

Using organic free range eggs, organic fair trade coffee, Roskilly's ice cream and other local produce wherever possible Rebecca ensures she meets high standards for her customers. Sitting on the terrace overlooking the ocean on one side and the pool on the other it is a lovely place to wile away the hours. Open to non swimmers too Rebecca often finds people who pop in for coffee are soon back with a swim suit.

With approximately 14,000 visitors last year, plus season ticket holders, Jubilee Pool's battle for survival looks promising. Swimming in this wonderful environment, reminiscent of a time gone by, is an experience that should be available to everyone. Long may its waters thrive.

Chloe Wild
Photos Courtesy of Rebecca Farrington, Martin Nixon and Jubilee Pool Association

Jubilee Pool, The Promenade, Penzance (01736 369224)
0pen May to September seven days a week
www.jubileepool.co.uk

Poolside Café open for morning coffee and cakes, lunch and supper. Call 07779 998590

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