After a two year nomadic existence Clidive has eventually returned to its spiritual home of Ironmonger Row Baths. For the newer members this is where the club has been based for over 40 years. And I can tell you this has been an eagerly awaited re-opening – after two pools and lots of getting over-charged-for-beer later (in the local not the baths!) we were finally going back and it felt right…
IRB has been now fully refurbished and it is looking very shiny and nice and new. The entrance has been relocated to the end of the building, just next to where we used to access the kit cupboard staircase. The reception area has been totally transformed and makes quite a striking first impression…
The changing rooms have had a complete revamp and there are showers all over the place as well.
I was amongst a lucky few Clidivers whom were invited to help run a try-dive at the grand opening for some locals youths. Mary asked me to come along and take some photos of the event or teach if needed. It was a privilege for me to get in the pool first and have it all to myself to take some underwater snaps, I was about to have a great time!
The pool is lovely and has been restored to a very high standard…
The troopers… well the ones who came in the ‘right’ t-shirt i.e. this years edition (ha, ha not really it’s just a coincidence the ones with old t-shirts aren’t pictured honest) ;)
The water was gin-clear according to our president and who can argue with his experience? (of water clarity not gin I hasten to add!)
Clidive were in the pool for approx an hour performing try-dives before the main swimming gala and opening by Ellie Simmons… I was in the changing rooms (or was it the pub) when this happened, so sorry I have no snaps of Ellie, but not to worry here’s a great shot Orlando took of me instead.
Mary took part too… well to be honest some of the youths (the lads to be specific) decided not to bother afterall, they confirmed this at the 11th hour, 59 minutes. Rumours of them drinking cider in the park were unconfirmed (and mostly started be me) – so we needed the extra divers in the pool… call-in the DO!
And another familiar face jumped in too…
The pool is hopefully going to open in a week or two, come along if you can, they’ve done a really good job and it’s going to be a fantastic new/old home home for us…
We should all be very grateful to Mary and the committee for all their hard work in securing IRB for Clidive and also getting us two temporary homes whilst it was shut down. It’s been a good year for the club with a lovely new RIB and a fantastic new home as a cherry to end the year on a high.
We’re very lucky to have it and now, after our last two years, it’s an amazing asset for the club to have this brand new facility in the centre of London. Come and enjoy it folks.
by
