Arundel Lido stokes up new boilers for summer opening

Come on in, the water's lovely. . . Arundel Lido is about to open for the summer season with new boilers

However, fund-raising to cover the £40,000 cost of the new boilers continues.

David Wood, chairman of the charitable trust which runs the Lido, expressed his delight with the efforts so far, but stressed that more support was needed and urged people to dig deep and back the Lido.

David said: “The support we have received so far has been absolutely magnificent. Our boiler appeal has brought in some £28,000 to date and we are hoping to raise the balance of £12,000 over the next month or so.

“The response from local people and businesses has been truly heart-warming, with many making donations and buying lottery tickets and several organising fund-raising events for us. It really demonstrates how much local people treasure Arundel Lido.”

Donations have been received from many sources, including the Duke of Norfolk, two of the daughters of the late Duke Bernard and many other local people, swimmers and non-swimmers.

Lottery tickets, known as Degree Certificates, are still being sold by shops and pubs throughout Arundel. The draw for the £1,000 prize will take place during a race night at the White Hart in Queen Street on bank holiday Monday. All are welcome at the event.

Fund-raising events so far have included a Rock’n’Roll Bingo evening at the Eagle Inn, a general knowledge quiz at the King’s Arms and a Beach Party at the Red Lion.

Future events include the race night and a “Call My Bluff” wine-tasting event at Arundel Town Hall on Friday, June 14.

When the Lido opens on Saturday (May 25), it will be offering not only daily swimming and picnicking facilities for everyone, but also a number of new facilities, including Zorb Ball sessions, children’s parties and a streamlined Swim School providing swimming lessons to all ages and capabilities.

The site for the Lido was given to the town by the 15th Duke of Norfolk in 1958. It was funded by public subscription and first opened to the public in 1960.

For more information about the Lido’s facilities, to buy season tickets or make bookings, visit the website www.arundel-lido.com or telephone the Lido office on 01903 884772.