SUMMER SEASON 2022

This provides an update on swimming arrangements at the Ladies’ Pond during the summer months of 2022, and the City of London Corporation’s (COLC) increased swimming charges which will take effect on 1 April 2022.

During the period June to August 2022, online booking through Eventbrite for one hour time slots will resume between 12.00 and 16.45 hrs. “Capped free flow” will be in use at other times. The capped free flow times are based on a maximum bather load of 100 swimmers and further access will be controlled by stewards if the pond reaches capacity. Details of the opening hours and the times when pre-booking via Eventbrite applies can be seen here (COLC document).

We understand that the telephone booking line, available to those unable or unwilling to use online bookings systems will still be 020 7332 3779.

Day ticket and season ticket prices will increase by 4.9% this year, fittingly taking effect on 1 April 2022. Full details can be seen here (COLC document). For a few days it is still possible to renew a season ticket at the 2021 prices here.

One option which is not well known is that a carer accompanying a swimmer who needs this support, can make use of a free access wristband. This wristband can be applied for by the swimmer herself or her carer (so if the swimmer applies for the wristband and has different carers at different times, the wristband can be used by different carers at different times). All of this information is available on the third “Ticket Details” page of the online season ticket application process if “Carer” is chosen. The swimmer or carer applying should tick a box to say she understands a declaration printed above. Whilst the website states that carer wristbands are given “on a case by case basis”, it does not detail any criteria or require evidence to be provided other than a name. A screenshot of the page is here. It is important that swimmers who need the support of a carer to swim are aware of this option. If you know of a swimmer who has struggled to access the ponds over the last two years, because she is not aware that a carer can accompany her for free, please pass on this information.

If you have any concerns about the summer swimming arrangements or price increases please continue to address these to the City of London Corporation:

HH-Swimming@cityoflondon.gov.uk
Stefania.Horne@cityoflondon.gov.uk (new Heath Superintendent)

Please copy any such correspondence to klpamailbox@gmail.com.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2022

The Annual General Meeting of the KLPA was held on 20 March 2022, and over 40 members were in attendance.  Unfortunately the meeting was not quorate so the vote on constitutional amendments could not take place.  The proposed amendments were discussed however and the Committee will do more work on this document to bring back to our next AGM.  As the committee nominations which were received ahead of deadline were unopposed, those nominees were confirmed as follows:

Mary Powell (chair)
Victoria King (new member)
Lucy Zanetti (treasurer)
Pauline Latchem
Cathy Peake (secretary)
Judith Perle (new member)
Beth Feresten
Susie Rose (new member)
Ann Griffin 

After 6 years of hard work on the KLPA Committee, in various roles, Ruth Hallgarten stood down as Chair.  She was presented with gifts and was thanked for her efforts.