A FILM celebrating the outdoor pool in Stratford Park has been released by Stroud Film Festival and the Friends of Stratford Park Lido.
The footage includes stories of galas, lifeguards and celebrations, from the pool’s opening day in 1938, to the summer of 2019.
The video was launched at an online event, which included contributions from swimmers past and present, an update on the pool, plus a specially written poem.
Stroud News and Journal readers helped make the film possible, following a call-out for stories from swimming enthusiasts last year.
Memories came in from all over the country, alongside current swimming enthusiasts who shared how much the pool means to them.
“Young and old, everyone we spoke to was passionate about the pool, from its setting in the park and views of the hills, to the diving board and its sheer size,” said Andy Freedman of Stroud Film Festival.
“It’s not just stories from the past, but people looking forward to the pool as an asset for Stroud in the future.”
Jess McQuail of the Friends of Stratford Park Lido said: “These stories bring to life how important the pool is, as a much-loved local facility that we need to protect and improve for future generations to enjoy.”
Stroud Local History Society kindly provided archive photographs, while members of the public also sent in family snaps of the pool.
The 20 minute video is available to watch now via: stroudfilmfestival.org
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