Booked

The gestation period of a book is an elastic timeline beyond the powers of science to define. In our case it has been many years from conception to delivery. 

Our midwife has been Unbound. Our project launched with them on 9th August 2016. A great deal of water has flowed through the filtration system since then, and today we celebrate as the first advance copy of the book lands on the doormat at Lido Guide HQ. By way of an aside to other authors, either current or aspiring - you may not want to leave this precious bundle lying unattended on the doormat for an hour before you get around to opening it. You'll only feel indescribably guilty. You can also expect to shed a tear. At least one. Probably many.

While the process of delivering the book to you, our readers, has been long it has also been one of the most richly rewarding things we have ever done. It is the culmination of a twenty year voyage of discovery for Janet. A voyage that shows no signs of abating. For me, it has provided me with connections and friendships across the country. I've learned so much, and continue to do so. I had no idea I had the capacity to be so enthused by air-source heat exchangers, 1930s horizontal filters and the power of volunteering to transform communities.

All of that is wrapped up in this book. And, today, it is an actual book. 

Thank you to all who have helped us deliver it. Unbound, our pledgers, Dryrobe, The Outdoor Swimming Society, Historic Pools and, but very definitely not least, the 126 pools who feature in this book. It exists for, and because of, them.

In the coming years nothing would give us greater pleasure than to welcome other pools to the fold; the book is crying out for the likes of Tarlair, Brynaman, Grange Lido, Sealanes Brighton and Cleveland Pools to be added to its pages. We all need them, and they need us. So please, wherever you are do whatever you can to use existing pools and support those seeking revival.

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