Brockwell Lido - chat, news and more

[gaijingirl]

It's a 'lido' cafe in all but name.

I preferred the Wagon Wheels and Coke tbh.

RubyToogood and I were reminiscing today poolside about the predecessors and I had a read of the old Brockwell Lido breakfast club threads and realised that this cafe issue has now caused me 11 years of angst. I'm not letting it go!!

 

[Tricky Skills]

RubyToogood and I were reminiscing today poolside about the predecessors and I had a read of the old Brockwell Lido breakfast club threads and realised that this cafe issue has now caused me 11 years of angst. I'm not letting it go!!

What are they charging these days for a simple cup of tea? The social circle I mix in after a swim still bring their small cups of coffee out to drink poolside. Coffee is over-priced everywhere, but a daily payment soon adds up.

Funnily enough, tucking into a 'smashed avo with seeds, herbs and pickled chilli on sourdough' isn't the first thing on my mind after a winter swim. Especially not at £6.50.

And what's with £2.25 for a biscuit?

I can buy six Lidl croissants for that

 

[gaijingirl]

What are they charging these days for a simple cup of tea? The social circle I mix in after a swim still bring their small cups of coffee out to drink poolside. Coffee is over-priced everywhere, but a daily payment soon adds up.

Funnily enough, tucking into a 'smashed avo with seeds, herbs and pickled chilli on sourdough' isn't the first thing on my mind after a winter swim. Especially not at £6.50.

And what's with £2.25 for a biscuit?

I can buy six Lidl croissants for that

I don't know what they charge for anything because I always bring my commuter mug of tea and a packed lunch because they're never open to swimmers.

So the plus side is that I've saved a lot of money.

 

[Tricky Skills]

From the that other lot:

"My pal and I are in the company of a sausage dog and a poodle, both welcomed to sit with us on the outdoor terrace. I ask for an almond milk latte whilst my friend opts for a cucumber, apple and mint concoction as well as an iced, decaf, soya latte.

I turn around to take a look at our lovely art-deco oasis, sun-dappled in the morning light. Not sardine-packed with the South London public in all their under-sumcreamed glory, it’s a peaceful, relaxed, quieter morning."

I still prefer taking my own food and drink and eating poolside tbh.

 

[shakespearegirl]

they don't - it doesn't even get picked up anymore. It used to be that it would stop your card working but not any more. I think they got tired of having arguments about it.

I just went to the annual meeting and asked them to confirm whether they are implementing the fines, they say they absolutely are.

It was interesting to go along, the swimmers are much more strongly represented than any other users, but I managed to get a couple of questions in.

Overall it felt like Fusion were blaming most problems on the lack of a replacement permanent mamager but a new one is starting next week. Not wanting to be cynical, but wonder how long the new one will last.

 

[gaijingirl]

they definitely aren't implementing the fines... they used to but not anymore.

 

[gaijingirl]

they definitely aren't implementing the fines... they used to but not anymore.

I know this because I've missed a few classes and where it used to stop you going through the barriers and make you go and explain yourself, they've stopped that from happening now. This has been the case for ages. The system didn't really work anyway.

... and in fact in only 1 of my classes does the teacher even take a register

 

[shakespearegirl]

Your attendance is meant to be triggered by your card swiping through the barriers.

I don’t believe they are fully implementing the fines, if they are they must be making money from it as loads of people still aren’t turning up when booked

 

[shakespearegirl]

To be honest I don’t think Fusion management know what’s going on at the Lido, they got caught out on quite a few things. Overall most problems seem to come down to terrible communication of their part

 

[gaijingirl]

Your attendance is meant to be triggered by your card swiping through the barriers.

I don’t believe they are fully implementing the fines, if they are they must be making money from it as loads of people still aren’t turning up when booked

yes exactly, that's my point - it is supposed to be triggered by your card swiping through the barriers and it used to be - hence if you didn't turn up you wouldn't be able to get through the next time you came - but they turned that off months ago. In conjunction with that they used to have the registers which they were taking religiously but now only one instructor (of my classes - so possibly others too) bothers. The instructors, in general, are not happy either - that's very plain to see.

eta - and yes communication is awful.

 

[shakespearegirl]

Ah sorry I didn’t understand that’s what you meant. I only go to Rachel’s classes as she always does the register as they are always overbooked with a wait list.

I agree the instructors aren’t happy, they take the brunt of the shit running by Fusion!

 

[gaijingirl]

Ah sorry I didn’t understand that’s what you meant. I only go to Rachel’s classes as she always does the register as they are always overbooked with a wait list.

I agree the instructors aren’t happy, they take the brunt of the shit running by Fusion!

yeah - I didn't explain it too well.

I gave up trying to get into Rachel's class ages ago. I used to go regularly for years and then they got sooooo popular I very rarely bother anymore.

 

[shakespearegirl]

For her weekend classes you have to book the minute the class opens or no chance! I forgot last Sunday (well was drunk) and 2 hours later I was 6th on the waiting list. 9.30 Saturday pilates fills in 15 minutes

 

[gaijingirl]

For her weekend classes you have to book the minute the class opens or no chance! I forgot last Sunday (well was drunk) and 2 hours later I was 6th on the waiting list. 9.30 Saturday pilates fills in 15 minutes

yeah exactly - it was the 9:30 Sat class I did for ages and ages and then it got like that and I just gave up in the end. I occasionally go to the 7am Weds one but I have to leave early in order to get to work on time and I find that a bit embarrassing.

 

[shakespearegirl]

yeah exactly - it was the 9:30 Sat class I did for ages and ages and then it got like that and I just gave up in the end. I occasionally go to the 7am Weds one but I have to leave early in order to get to work on time and I find that a bit embarrassing.

Rachel doesn’t mind if you need to leave early, I wasn’t going on Weds and she asked why. When I explained I really needed to leave at 7.50 she said it was fine, just to park myself near the door and leave my mat when I left to avoid disruption. She really wants people to go to that class as lots of people cancel last minute and she’s worried they’ll can it.

I’ve mentioned the gate thing to a friend who sits on the BLU committee

 

[gaijingirl]

Rachel doesn’t mind if you need to leave early, I wasn’t going on Weds and she asked why. When I explained I really needed to leave at 7.50 she said it was fine, just to park myself near the door and leave my mat when I left to avoid disruption. She really wants people to go to that class as lots of people cancel last minute and she’s worried they’ll can it.

I’ve mentioned the gate thing to a friend who sits on the BLU committee

yeah she's always cool about it, it's just me that doesn't really like it.

 

[gaijingirl]

actually now you say she's worried they'll can it, I'll make an effort to start going again then.

years ago - before I had my kids, I was on the BLU committee - things have changed a lot since then and I don't get involved anymore except to occasionally write emails to the management who mostly ignore me anyway.

 

[shakespearegirl]

actually now you say she's worried they'll can it, I'll make an effort to start going again then.

years ago - before I had my kids, I was on the BLU committee - things have changed a lot since then and I don't get involved anymore except to occasionally write emails to the management who mostly ignore me anyway.

I can tell just from attending one meeting that there’s a lot of politics involved!

 

[Tricky Skills]

Here's the Buzz report from the AGM.

Once again the self-serving Brockwell Swimmers 'group' failed in its attempt to get any members elected to the Committee.

 

[gaijingirl]

line dancing?

some good news there if it all happens.

 

[brockwellswim]

Brockwell Swimmers will be heading off to the East Sussex Coast for our fifth Open Water adventure led again by experienced coach, Stephen Baker. We will be swimming the 2.2 miles between Birling Gap and Cuckmere Haven. High tide is at 8:17am and the direction of the swim will depend on the direction of the tide.

Wetsuits are optional but recommended as the water will be cold, between 13°C and 15°C, and we will be in the water for an hour or more. Cost to members will be £30 and we suggest booking early as places are limited. If you have a car and able to give others a lift please let us know.

More details on the web site www.brockwellswimmers.com

 

[brockwellswim]

Pictures from Sunday's Brockwell Swimmers Seven Sisters Swim Adventure.

More information about the swimming club at brockwellswimmers.com.

New members always welcome

 

[editor]

This Saturday - Brockwell Lido Community Cold Water Gala takes place this Saturday, 17th Nov 2018

 

[brockwellswim]

It was a fantastic turn out for the Brockwell water polo team for the third meeting with our friends from Parliament Hill. Having won a game each so far this year, it was all to play for yesterday evening at St Joseph’s College (Brockwell’s winter training venue). With only eight players verses Brockwell’s mighty twenty, Parliament Hill gained a share of the Brockwell team for the evening to allow for both sides to have the much welcomed substitutions. Brockwell’s coach Steve Baker was on refereeing duties for the evening, the whistle was blown and the game began.

At the end of the first quarter, it wasn’t looking great for Brockwell in the white caps. Despite their energy and great enthusiasm being the only team to score in the quarter, they had scored in their own net, allowing blue capped Parliament Hill to take the lead. Would this set the tone for the rest of the game? Would Parliament Hill be able to capitalise on the Brockwell mistake and steam ahead? Only time would tell.

The remaining three quarters sped by; substitutions were made, whistles were blown, players thrown out, penalties taken, goals were missed, goals were scored. But which side would prevail?

The final score was 13:9… to BROCKWELL! A fantastic game played by both sides and a Brockwell victory was all the more sweet. Thanks to our friends at Parliament Hill for coming south of the river for a great game. Looking forward to the next in two weeks time when we play the Addenbrooke’s Hospital team.

Brockwell Swimmers polo sessions are open to all levels of players, from complete beginners to seasoned shooters. All are coached by professional and national-league players. The one hour session normally starts with basic skill techniques, finishing with a team match before decanting to the pub for a ‘game analysis’. Adults 18+ welcome.

More details at https://www.brockwellswimmers.com/polo-sessions-shop/

 

[Tricky Skills]

The planning application for the lido that was discussed at the BLU AGM has now been submitted:

'Refurbishment of Brockwell Lido including repainting / lining the pool, repainting / replacing like-for-like the existing flag stones surrounding the pool, and installation of under-water lighting.'

Thankfully no heating of the water.

 

[snowy_again]

Lane lines!

 

[editor]

if anyone fancies it - Londoners needed to take an icy plunge into Brockwell Park on 15th Dec to end homelessness

 

[brockwellswim]

All's well, that's Brockwell...

It has been another fantastic year for Brockwell Swimmers as summed up at our Annual General Meeting held at the Crown and Greyhound pub on Tuesday 27th November. Thanks to all the members who attended and for Councillor Becca Thackray who also came along to show her support for the club hiring the pool next year.

Swimming highlights started with our first ever Spring Invitation Club Relays held on Thursday 31st May. Clubs included Serpentine, Spencer, Windrush, Tooting and our own home team. Races started prompt at 8pm with freestyle relays, followed by breaststroke, medley and finishing with a ten person squadron. Thanks to all the team captains for organising their teams so well, and with no delays we finished our final length at 8:45pm giving us time to add up the scores and announce Spencer as the winner.

For eight weeks during the Summer the club again hosted Water Polo sessions on Monday evenings using the deep end of the Lido. According to the rules players are not allowed to touch the bottom during the game which makes Brockwell one of the few places in South London we can play correctly. Water Polo is a great team game, great exercise and a great way to meet other swimmers. The sport combines speed and strength, as well as learning new skills and a high level of fitness. The rest of the year the club trains on Sunday afternoons at St Joseph’s College in Beulah Hill.

The Club continued to run its weekly coached swim sessions on Tuesday evenings at JAGs Sports Club in North Dulwich. These sessions are led by super qualified coach Stephen Baker and combine both technique and drill. They are a great work out for both body and mind, and good fun too. The first session is free so why not give it a go?

Other Brockwell Swimmers events include friendly team events with other swim clubs, Summer Walk/Swims, Open Water and Wild swimming, club socials and club meets. Swimming is a wonderfully inclusive sport and the club hope to celebrate and encourage more use of this wonderful community facility. Come take the plunge, the water is lovely.

More details on our web site www.brockwellswimmers.com or social media #brockwellswim.

 

[brockwellswim]

A Very Hospitable Game

Brockwell Swimmers water polo squad ended the year on a high with another stunning game on Sunday evening (2nd Dec). The team took on its first (and last) non London based opponents of 2018 inviting the Addenbrooke’s Hospital team from Cambridge down to the Brockwell Swimmers winter training venue of St Joseph’s College, Beaulah Hill.

It was the Hospital team which scored the first goal within minutes of the whistle. However, Brockwell Swimmers were quick to respond and score a shot just a few minutes later.

What followed was a game full of movement – so much so that spectators could have been forgiven for thinking that they had turned up to Wimbledon in summer rather than poolside in the dark depths of winter.

It was Brockwell that seized the advantage with a well-placed centre forward left pretty much undefended. The lone wolf repeated the same move in another counter attack just moments later.

By then Brockwell Swimmers were fully in their stride, or rather stroke, with a series of smoothly executed goals – all in the first half. Although Addenbrooke’s weren’t about to make it that easy for the home side, with a couple of their own strategic scores. Even with the addition of – not one but – two converted penalties in the final minutes it was not to be for the Hospital team.

The match ended 9-6 to Brockwell Swimmers in the white caps. Match de-briefing and social at the Great North Pub afterwards. Both sides are keen to meet again in 2019 for a re-match of new friends. Thanks to Addenbrooke’s for coming down to London to play, we’ll see you again soon!

 

[brockwellswim]

PHISH gotta swim 2019

Another year and another Parliament Hill Ice Swim Hootenanny, PHISH 19th Jan 2019, at our sister Lido in North London.

This year under new management, the event was just as good, well organised and well attended as previous years. Well done to Jeremy Irvine and his team for pulling off another stonking event with the pool at a perfect 5°C, a deliciously steaming giant hot tub and a sauna heated to the perfect temperature. What more could we ask for?

Our Brockwell Swimmers Relay Team, Jerry, Tim, Karen (birthday girl) and Peter took to the water promptly at 12:50 and carried on the tradition of successfully coming last in our heat… result! However, in total we didn’t do too badly coming 16th out of 24 overall. Quite respectanble. This bodes well for our three relay teams entered in the Tooting Cold Water Championships in seven days time.

It was so good to see one of the few remaining unheated London Lidos celebrating the joy of Cold Water Swimming and pulling in so many hardened athletes from all over the UK. A wonderful networking opportunity with other like minded souls swapping stories from all over the country. Maybe one day Brockwell management will let us do the same at our own Lido? At the moment we are missing out on all the fun.