CIRENCESTER Open Air Swimming Pool was officially reopened by Lady Bathurst at a ceremony following its £750,000 refurbishment.

The 147-year-old pool was open to the public from May 19, and its refurbishments included new changing facilities, meeting rooms, an office and housing for the pool's pump and heating machinery.

The heated pool is fed by natural spring water from an onsite well, which has been revealed and covered with a glass top.

An official opening ceremony and gala evening took place on Friday, June 24 and was attended by the pool's patron Lady Bathurst, Lord Bathurst, Cotswold MP Geoffrey Clifton Brown, town councillors, trustees and other supporters.

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard:

(Lady Bathurst with two lifeguards after cutting the ribbon, photos: George Brooks)

The opening began at 5pm, welcoming guests with a range of nibbles and drinks, before the ribbon was cut by Lady Bathurst.

It was announced in the ceremony that a significant portion of the work had been achieved through donations from the Winstone Charitable Trust

Chris Morling, owner of Money.co.uk also donated a significant sum towards Phase Two of the redevelopment work.

Further works, to be completed during the 2016/2017 winter season should an additional £160,000 of funding be sourced, will include solar panels, disabled access ramps and pool covers.

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard:

(Mayor of Cirencester Mark Harris and Lady Bathurst dipping their feet in the pool)

Mayor Mark Harris said: “So many people have fought so hard to keep the Pool open over the years and it has been a struggle for as long as I can remember which is going back about 30 years.

"But now we're at the point where we have something fantastic that will last a lot longer. It's a great asset to the town.”

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard:

(A lifeguard and mayor of Cirencester Mark Harris)

Meg Blumson, a long-time supporter of the pool, also commented:"This pool has been a stunning backdrop to the history of Cirencester since it was opened in 1869.

"I remember coming here as a girl, I brought my children here to swim and my grand children too. One lady has even participated by bringing her great grand children here to swim.

"We want the Open Air Swimming Pool to continue that trend for years to come and the recent and continued investment will help us to achieve that.

"We look forward to seeing many families enjoying the facilities and heated pool here throughout the summer.”

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard:

(Lord and Lady Bathurst)

Lord Bathurst spoke of the open air pool: "It is a fantastic facility for Cirencester. It is one of those little known gems. The pool needs to get more publicity."

Mr Clifton-Brown (below) said: "I think this is a wonderful asset for the town. It is produced from a vision of the people who live here. People who want to relax can come here for a swim."

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard:

Pool trustee Michael Athienites said: "The new works are making all the difference already to people who use the pool. People have said it has really improved their experience.

"People did not use the changing and shower facilities before, and now they do."

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard:

(Lifeguards diving into the open air pool)

Councillor Joe Harris (below, left) also commented: "I used to come here as a kid. It was tired and old. It is great to see it has had a face lift. I hope it will encourage people to come along more often."

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: