ANOTHER of our most popular stories in Droitwich was the Lido welcoming 10,000 people in just six days during the heatwave.
July turned out to be a record-breaking month for the popular outdoor saltwater pool as the temperatures soared.
Many Droitwich schools were shut to protect children and staff from the heat and families and people of all ages made the most of the opportunity to go for an outdoor swim.
Picture by Marcus Mingins 2922008MMR5 copyright Bullivant Media
The saltwater pool can accommodate 1,600 people and has been full everyday.
As an added bonus, BBC Breakfast’s Jon Kay broadcast live from there on one of the days,
Wychavon Leisure’s then area manager Tim Kirkham said at the time: “I couldn’t believe it – I was on a plane to Greece the other week and I was just thinking about how attendance had not been that good – we need the hot weather to keep the pool open.
“The heatwave was fantastic for us and the BBC broadcasting from there was the icing on the cake – it was good for the Lido and good from Droitwich.
“I’m Droitwich born and bred and want to see the Lido and the town thrive.”
He praised Wychavon District Council for all the support it had given the venue since its reopening in 2007 and the Friends of Droitwich Spa Lido for all its fund-raising.
“We couldn’t have done anything without them and their support.”
Tim also praised the staff who have been working exceptionally hard as a team to ensure everyone stays safe and has an enjoyable time and the owner of Little Al’s cafe at the Lido who has been ‘rushed off his feet’.
Picture courtesy of Friends of Droitwich Spa Lido (FODSL). s
A further boost was given to the Lido – at the other extreme – with the return of its coldwater winter swims in November and December which also proved popular (although maybe not as much as the heatwave).
