Page 61 - br-oct-2021

October 2021 October 2021
OBITUARIES initially by some town councillors and older local swimmers who thought that he
wanted to turn the site into flats. All he ever wanted to do was to keep the
structure much the same whilst developing the facilities to include a younger but
he was early on - a strict father and later on - game for anything
and great fun. His grandchildren saw only his sparkly eyed fun side – broader customer base.
unless they stepped over the line in which case they also got “The Look”. But He eventually took over the lease which runs until 2017 with his company handing
above all he was always there, always supportive however difficult the over a proportion of its gate takings to the council which ploughs back its share of
situation. the profits for maintenance of the pool. The council no longer makes a loss, the
older swimmers still have their designated swim area, the large family area is still
Flower arranging was another of Philip’s skills! Not the arranging, but the
assistance to Audrey in building, carrying and appraising. He also supported well used and a new giant inflatable (the largest in the South of England) has
Audrey with her elaborate cake decorating, either formal wedding cakes, or been installed. Everyone is a winner! The council is still responsible for the structure
a full velodrome birthday cake! His love and care were undaunted and and the chlorination of the pool (a relatively new feature) but Hugo would
unstinting during Audrey’s long illness. eventually like to take over the maintenance.
“Customers need continuity and we were determined to open seven days a
Phil, to his huge credit, always lived for the present and for the future. week throughout the summer with no breaks no matter the weather”. Hugo was
While attending a Jazz Festival, he met Sylvia, and sometime later moved to also keen to extend the activities of the pool at either end of the season in the
Bere Regis. Together they have found happiness in singing with choirs (Sylvia spring and autumn with thoughts of it becoming an activities centre.
knows the notes), travel, village twinning and simply being in each other’s “The beauty of this place is its uniqueness” said Hugo. Indeed it is, set in this lovely
company. Sylvia has supported Phil so well during his last illness. Georgian market town, it was built in 1833 and is the oldest open air sea water
In a short time Phil found many friends in Bere Regis – he just had to talk to baths in the UK. The baths gained Grade 2 listed building status in 2012 which limits
everyone and join in with everything. In many ways it was the village that he what can be done with the original structure.
was born in. Hugo took over the running of the pool in July 2013, so this is his third season. The
As a partner, father, granddad, friend and helper – the sparkle in his eye, the pool is a massive 113 metres long and 47 metres wide with an irregular shape. The
mischievous comment, his enthusiasm and his love will be greatly missed. A maximum depth these days is 1.6metres with a hessian basin and pebbles lining
full life – a good life. the bottom. With head lifeguard Ashley Booker in charge it employs 22 lifeguards
throughout the season. Hugo and Pauline’s sons Louis and Felix are part of the
team with younger son Fin helping with the cleaning, so it is a real family affair. In
all 55 students are employed at the pool and are paid well. As Hugo says “It’s a
growing up job for many”.

Kayaking was already part of
the pool’s activities but Hugo
quickly added the inflatable
obstacle course in 2013. Through
Aflex Technology, a New
Zealand based company, it has
become a distributor for the
product. Paddle boards and
Zorbs were added in 2014 and
on hot days the pool can attract
up to 1,100 customers, a real
success story. Regular model
boat competitions are also held
by the local club.

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