Bathurst Pool

A pool given to the community of Lydney by Mr Charles Bathurst, 1^st Earl Bledisloe to celebrate the 21^st birthday of his eldest son, Benjamin. The pool was opened on 2^nd October 1920 and was 120’ by 40’ and contained 225,000 gallons of fresh water. Depths ranged from 3 feet six inches to 7 feet.

According to the pool website (which contains a detailed history) the pool had to be emptied and cleaned every Saturday night and re-filled from the nearby stream on Sunday morning until filtration was installed in 1940.

In June 1925 Mr. F. C. Warley presided at a meeting the object of promoting new swimming club in connection with the Baths. It was resolved to name the club the Bathurst Swimming Club, and to ask Lord Bledisloe to become the first President. Mr. Warley accepted office hon. secretary and treasurer for first year. Three vice presidents are elected, all from inhabitants of the two parishes.

In May 1962, progress of major renovations at the pool were described as ‘disappointing’ at the annual meeting of the Bathurst Swimming Baths Committee. Shortage of labour had been the cause. The improvements would cost over £2,000.

In 1999, the council attempted to close the pool as a new indoor pool was about to open close by. Locals disagred. The Friends of Bathurst Pool was born and with the help of £36,000 from the Forest of Dean Initiative the pool was taken over on a 10-year lease and reopened after a revamp in 2003. Over the years donations, entry fees and grants have funded many improvements including new drainage, pool cleaners, liners and covers and enhanced surroundings. The pool continues to operate as a community volunteer run facility.