Flamingo Pool calls for community support amid rising costs

Led and funded by the community of Axminster, the Flamingo Pool opened in 1998.

Dr John Church and Rev Barry set out in 1990 "to provide a public swimming pool for the benefit of those in need by reason of their social or economic circumstances or youth, sickness or old age" and the facility has been run entirely as a charity ever since.

The Flamingo includes a 25m main pool and a hydrotherapy pool – the only publicly-available hydrotherapy pool in the country when the facility first opened.

The hydrotherapy pool, including a hoist and wide, shallow steps, was essential to securing funding to open the Flamingo.

Hydrotherapy is known to help relieve many medical conditions, and is also an aid to pre and post operative care. There are immeasurable but vital benefits to mental health and well being.

GP referral sessions in the hydrotherapy pool and movement and mobility classes in the main pool help those wanting to improve their mobility after illness or injury, thereby boosting self-confidence. In the main pool there is a gym, one of a very few in the UK. This aids recovery from sports injuries and is marvellous for those who couldn't otherwise use a gym.

The Falmingo's hydrotherapy pool has literally changed lives, allowing those affected by illness, accident and the natural ageing process to achieve, improve or recover mobility after, sometimes, devastating events.

By being able to exercise in a warm, safe environment and continue to build on that to achieve one's potential makes the difference between existing and living – such is the benefit that people have come from far and wide to use the facility.

The training programme at the Flamingo Pool for lifeguards has provided many hundreds of people with valuable life skills. Swimming lessons for all ages, from babies to seniors, continue to benefit and enrich lives.

The pandemic and temporary closure of the pool was a terrible blow to those for whom it is a lifeline, but recovery has been strong and the pool team have been gratified to see so many users return.

However, due to huge rises in fuel and energy costs, the Flamingo Pool now finds itself in crisis. Without drastic action, innovation and community support, this asset could be lost.

There has been a long-held dream at the Flamingo to invest in more sustainable technologies, such as solar power, but this has now become a must to ensure the pool's future.

The trustees are hoping to build charitable business partnerships in as many areas as possible and are looking for those who have experience in bidding for funding.

A 'crisis meeting' will be held on Axminster Guildhall to discuss the future of the Flamingo Pool from 6pm on Thursday, September 22. Those unable to attend in person can also join via Zoom with details available on the Flamingo Pool Facebook page.