Tadcaster swimming pool an example of the Big Society at work (From York Press)

Tadcaster swimming pool an example of the Big Society at work

8:52am Thursday 18th August 2011 in News By Mike Laycock, Chief reporter

Selby and Ainsty MP Nigel Adams meets volunteers at Tadcaster Community Swimming Pool

AN MP plans to tell the Government how Tadcaster Community Swimming Pool is a perfect example of the Big Society at work.

Nigel Adams, the Tory MP for Selby and Ainsty, spoke of his admiration for the way about 100 volunteers are involved in helping to run the pool on behalf of a charitable trust.

The MP was visiting the pool during its “volunteer week”, which aims to encourage even more members of the local community to volunteer.

He said he intended to write to the Cabinet Office to say there was no better example of the Big Society than the pool. “It’s a successful leisure facility that has never relied on handouts from the taxpayer,” he said.

Facility manager Chris Porter said the pool had been such an example since it opened 17 years ago.

He said the volunteers, who came from across the Tadcaster area, supported a core of about ten paid staff, and were involved in everything from lifeguarding and reception duties to maintenance.

He said volunteering was a great way for younger people who wanted careers in the leisure industry to get vital experience and training.

Chris said the pool would be hosting an open day on Saturday, which would offer people the opportunity to look round the facilities, meet staff, have a free “cuppa” and discuss ways of achieving a healthy lifestyle.

It was also a chance for people to try a 1-2-1 swimming lesson for all abilities and ages and experience a taster session in the fitness suite which was open all day.

He said between noon and 2pm, people could swim for only £1, with a “fun splash” for all the family between 2 and 3pm, again for only £1 each.

Between 3pm and 6pm, there would be 1-2-1 taster swimming lesson for all ages and abilities with a qualified instructor, for £5.