MARBURY Park Swimming Club are busy preparing for summer and making up for lost time.

The volunteer-run, not for profit club based at the outdoor pool at Marbury Park are looking to reopen the facility next month, after having had to close last summer due to the coronavirus pandemic.

And when they do, they will be welcoming new members.

There are jobs to be done first though.

Northwich Guardian:

"Unfortunately some major leaks in older water pipes supplying the pool were discovered and extensive works are now required to get fixed up again," says a club statement.

"There’s a dedicated group of volunteers fully focused now, on getting summer set and targeting the end of June to make this special place ready to splash.

"June gives time to get the excavation and pipe work done and allow people to take memberships and hopefully enjoy the facility with fewer restrictions in line with the Government’s roadmap."

Northwich Guardian:

The committee and dedicated volunteers will be painting, pruning, chopping, varnishing, fitting and cleaning at Marbury Open Air Pool until the reopening date.

Northwich Guardian:

At the same time, they will be training up some lifeguards to support the season.

The pool is taking swim bookings now, from community groups including scouts, cubs and beavers.

There has also been interest from some triathlon groups in the area looking to hone their swim sections and use the facilities to get race-ready.

Attracting people and groups to enjoy the facility is a key part of the club's focus moving forward.

"It’s been a year like no other for Marbury Open Air Pool – nestled in woodlands in the heart of Marbury Park – near Northwich," adds the statement.

Northwich Guardian:

"We're always on the lookout for new members to keep this important (and fun!) piece of local history up and running, and we know that outdoor swimming has become more and more popular over recent years.

"The private members pool has been here since the 1930s. Originally built as part of Marbury Hall Country Club, the pool went on to be owned for many years by ICI, for the use of its employees.

Northwich Guardian:

"Since the early 1970s, the pool has been operated by Marbury Park Swimming Club, a volunteer-run members’ club, whose aim is to keep this wonderful leisure facility and piece of local history open for the community (and those from further afield) to enjoy!

"Last year the pool committee took a decision not to open at all, amid the uncertainty of the pandemic but incurring some significant fixed running costs at the same time.

"This year, the pool is determined to open, to give people the chance to summer swim again in a unique setting.

"Marbury is a different experience to a modern-day, mod cons leisure club!

"It’s very much a day out at a lido from another era!

"It’s beautiful, private garden setting is quite exquisite with a well-stocked tuck-shop to boot.

"The full length pool is unheated and totally invigorating and the benefits of cold water swimming are incredible.

"It’s much more than just aerobic exercise! It's known to fire up your metabolism (your body has to work harder, simply to stay warm) and the cool water can also help with better circulation. It can boost your immune system too.

"Cold water swimming can also have fabulous benefits for mental wellbeing as it is linked to a reduction in stress, enhanced mood and importantly for many, better quality sleep."

Every year, the pool hosts a fancy dress swimming gala, barbecue and usually a water fight too! There is always pride at stake for the best dives, the best freestyle races and medals are keenly contested!

For more information on memberships, private hire and Marbury Pool’s opening hours visit marburyparkswimmingclub.co.uk