Pool reopens after community fundraising effort

Thousands more children will learn to swim thanks to a £60,000 makeover of a primary school's pool.

It is estimated around 10,000 pupils have had swimming lessons at Leonard Stanley C of E Primary School in Stonehouse, Gloucestershire, since the pool opened in the 1970s.

Decades of use, as well as exposure to the elements, eventually took its toll and the pool fell into disrepair - meaning it had stood empty for nearly three years.

But now, after a community fundraising campaign, the facility has reopened.

"I feel really lucky because it's really nice to come in the pool and have a nice time," said eight-year-old Evie.

"It will be a really happy place to go. We can learn how to swim at school and it can make us really happy."

Fellow pupil Nevin, 8, added: "It's great, it's fun, we can swim three times a week and learn.

"It's all fun. I'm glad the school got it."

The new pool was built as a result of a fundraising effort amongst staff, parents and the surrounding community - with every penny raised through non-uniform days and sponsored walks going towards the total.

School office manager Lisa Williams, who was one of the first children to swim in the pool as a pupil in the early 1970s, was one of five skydivers who raised more than half the total with their efforts.

"I didn't hesitate," she said. "I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2022 and I thought - why not give something back, try and do some good?"

As for seeing the pool finally reopen, she described the moment as "quite emotional".

"This is what it's all about, teaching the next generation to swim, and opening it up to the community as well.

"It's something very close to my heart," she said.

Headteacher Andrew Milner added: "It's a massive life skill for children to learn how to swim, particularly around here where there is water.

"It really enriches the curriculum and their wellbeing. To get them swimming here three times a week as part of PE will really enhance their learning."