Rejoice: 150th anniversary of the Pells Pool, Lewes, as it re-opens

Spring has sprung, and what a spring it has been so far but in Lewes the summer season is clearly marked by the re-opening of Pells Pool, the oldest freshwater outdoor pool in the country, and one of the best places to relax and people watch in town.

I, myself, have very fond memories of the place from Skinng Dipping with the Brighton Naked Bikers (ahem!), to an evening of picnicing and Tongue and Groove.

This year marks the 150th birthday of the Lewes institution beginning with the official opening of the pool on May 28 at noon (though it is set to open this weekend, weather permitting). And the space is looking sparkling.

The first 150 children to arrive at the Pells will get in free and will form part of ‘THE BIG SPLASH’ (with all 150 jumping in for a dip at the same time). In order to help them (and others) tables “laden with cakes, buns and nibbles” will be on offer for everyone to help themselves in order to restore blood sugar levels.

The main bash takes place on the weekend beginning June 17, events scheduled for the four days include:

Friday June 17. 1pm to 3pm. Schools event for parents and children.

Ben Ward, one of the writers of the much acclaimed writers of the ‘Horrible Histories’ series – the second children’s TV programme to win National Comedy Award – will be talking about writing on the theme of history, the programmes and the past of the Pells Pool. The Lewes resident is also a BAFTA winning writer.

During the afternoon there will also be a raffle to win signed copies of books authored by Michael Morpurgo, a former Children’s Laureate and writer of the War Horse (now a National Theatre production).

From 7.30pm. “Union Music Store Presents”.

The Friars Walk based store will be hosting an evening of bands for lovers of folk, country and Americana music featuring Laish, Jamie Freeman, Early Ghost and the So Last Century Stringband. More acts may yet be confirmed.

Saturday June 18. Midday onwards. 150th Birthday Party and Cake Cutting.

Swimmers and spectators are urged to come in fancy dress and those at the Pells point attendees to the Springwater Timetable for inspiration. Like all good parties there will be prizes for the best outfits.

Evening. ‘Tongue and Groove’.

Expect the usual highjinks from the local band (is it their sixth appearance at the Pells?).

The band have – in the past – ended their set with a spectacular climax, with fire dancers and fireworks, before Phil The Fox – replete with wig - dived in for his customary length of the pool then re-appearing on stage, soggy but triumphant, to conclude the evening’s entertainment.

Sunday June 19th. The Paddock Singers.

The Paddock Singers are a vibrant community singing group to learn, sing, rehearse and perform. Directed by John Hancorn and assisted by Ruth Kerr they sing a huge variety of contemporary, classical, folk, musical, show, pop, and ballads – however on this occasion they will be performing music and songs to evoke the 1860s.

The event is free to OAPs.

Monday June 20. The Pells Paddlers.

A special party for the young ones (under 5’s), complete with live animals as organised by Inside Outside.

And a note from Pells Pool: Community Mosaic Mural: "Summer sun - fun at the Pells"

We want to mark the milestone of 150 years of swimming at the Pells Pool with a community-made mosaic - to be sited permanently in the pool grounds.

We are planning a mosaic-making day at the pool - a creative, collaborative and fun free event! Stage One come and meet Nicole and Maia, our artists at the pool opening on Saturday 28th May and create a drawing or image that can be included into the mosaic.

Drawings, paintings, collages can be left at the pool kiosk by 1st June.

We are not asking for children to come up with a design/plan for the whole mosaic panel, just to create images (simple line drawings, colour paintings, collages) suggested by the theme "Summer sun - fun at the Pells".

Details from these images (motifs, shapes, colour combinations) will be selected and incorporated into the final design.

Tuesday 26 July is mosaic making day, everyone is welcome to come along and get involved. If you have experience great - if you've never tried it, now's your chance. It's just like doing a jigsaw and you can either pop a few pieces in as you pass by, or stay all afternoon!

 

Design, materials and equipment will be provided, along with support and encouragement, so do book this date in your diary."

Pictures: Pre-season (and last) at Pells Pool, Lewes