La Vallette users ‘don’t want something posh’
‘WE DON’T want something posh’ was one of the many and varied reactions of swimmers to the news that building work is starting at La Vallette bathing pools.
On New Year’s Day there were dozens of people enjoying a swim, and the word that kept popping up was ‘magical’ while they stressed how much they cherished the experience.
Rebecca Simmons, an all-year -round swimmer, sounded cautiously optimistic about the plans.
‘I have had a look at them and I hope it all works. I think there’s a lot of people who like it as it is, but I suppose things have to change.
‘There’s a lot of scepticism still, but we know it’s going to be happening now so we just have to hope for the best. Maybe a few years down the road we’ll be thinking “wow, this is amazing”, but we love it here now, but change is change so we’ll see what happens.’
A temporary changing cabin has been set up for the key holders to use while the works are under way, but there is concern that there may not be enough room inside, particularly for the elderly swimmers who tend to go early.
The elderly group held a Christmas party inside the existing changing room, and a calendar on the wall illustrates the level of community spirit as people can write their birthdays inside it, and then receive a card.
The charity Vive La Vallette is in charge of the building project, and the States of Guernsey has committed itself to the long-term maintenance of the historic pools.
For Patricia McDermott the important thing is the condition of the pools.
‘The pools are what people come for, so if that’s not maintained as well there’s no point in having a beautiful place here, and the infrastructure is deteriorating, the railings are falling apart, we’ve plugged the pools in the past with cement to stop it leaking.’
Another swimmer, Christine, remembered learning to swim as a child at La Vallette, and she felt very protective of the special atmosphere.
‘We don’t need something posh, we just need a simple little cafe.
‘If they make this posh for people to do their yoga, well they could do their yoga somewhere else, the community centres have yoga.’
Jill Marquis was new to year-round swimming this season, and despite the falling temperatures she was enthusiastic about its invigorating charms.
‘I just love it, it gives you such a good feeling afterwards, cold water swimming has so many health benefits, and I’ve ordered myself a dry robe.
‘We’ve all joined together and it’s a very inclusive group.
‘I think it’ll be brilliant, there’s always a sense of not liking change, but I think it will be a brilliant community project.’
Retired doctor Mary Singer was also excited about the project and thought it would become a much-loved and important facility.
‘The more oohs and ahhs you make as you get into the water, the more fun and laughter you seem to achieve and it has an amazing mental health benefit.
‘The ability to see the changing nature, whether it’s good or bad weather, and enjoy it with other people, it’s wonderful.’
