Guernsey Press

Teena’s drive led to home’s pool reopening

CHATEAU REVE has reopened its swimming pool for the first time since 2018 thanks to the efforts of staff and financial backing.

Published
Teena Gordon, centre, administration officer for the States Adult Disability Service, was the driving force behind getting the pool at Chateau Reve reopened. She was supported by the third sector and private businesses, including Only Fools and Donkeys, whose Linda Armstead is on the left, and Ravenscroft, represented by Sophie Yabsley. (Picture by Peter Frankland, 30991197)

The pool at the facility in Camp du Roi which is home to five adults with profound difficulties, had been unused for a number of years until Teena Gordon, administration officer for the States Adult Disability Service, decided to do something about it.

‘When I first saw it, I asked why it wasn’t in use and was told that it needed upgrading to be safe for the service users,’ she said. ‘It wouldn’t leave my head and I decided to find a way for it to reopen.’

Ms Gordon contacted the Guernsey Community Foundation and Ravenscroft for financial support, and they agreed to cover the majority of the costs.

Adult Disability staff held a bake off and cake sale to raise additional funds and other support has come from Pool Care & Services, Only Fools and Donkeys, Stan Brouard, BTS, Kings, St Pierre Park, Beau Sejour and The Guernsey Institute.

Maintenance of the pool will be covered by Health & Social Care.

‘The support has been amazing and it wouldn’t have been possible without so many people. The Guernsey Community Foundation and Ravenscroft were incredibly generous and then we have had support from many other people,’ added Ms Gordon.

Ravenscroft has also offered to cover the cost of floating noodles to help the users of the pool.

It is hoped that the pool will return to daily use, and it will be available to anyone at the States’ eight other residential care establishments through an appointment system.

At the weekend, Chateau Reve staff were trained as lifeguards, while adult disability staff gave up their Sunday to work at the home and look after the service users.

‘The water will be very therapeutic for the users and great to help them move their muscles,’ said Ms Gordon.

Last week Ms Gordon and her colleague Neil McMeiken pressure-washed the patio surround and emptied the stagnant water from the pool and cleaned it, before it was refilled and the chemicals added.