The unseen history of Grange Lido
A lottery grant is bringing the fascinating history of Grange Lido to life this autumn
Visitors can delve into the remarkable history of Grange Lido for the first time thanks to a £10,000 grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
To celebrate the 90th anniversary of the open-air pool, which opened on Grange-over-Sands promenade on 18 August 1932, the community benefit society Save Grange Lido will be delving into an enormous collection of artefacts and giving locals the chance to share their memories, too.
Building a lido archive
“When the pool was abandoned [in 1993] so many fascinating items were left behind, including hundreds of photographs, documents relating to the construction and dozens of trophies from the many swimming galas over the years,” says David Dawson from Save Grange Lido.
“Thanks to this grant we will be able to share this treasure trove with anyone who remembers swimming in the pool. It’s fitting we are doing this in the month we celebrate the pool‘s 90th anniversary.”
The society will also be running a series of events this autumn, giving people the opportunity to share their memories and photos relating to the lido.
The National Lottery Heritage Fund grant has helped the team bring a specialist archivist on board, who will organise the collection in preparation for public display. The funds will also go towards training volunteers in archiving and oral history.
Join a Cross Bay Walk
After more than 60 years of service the pool closed in 1993 and has been mothballed ever since. Save Grange Lido plans to raise funds for the renovation of the grade-II listed pool and operate the facility without the need for council subsidy.
A Cross Bay Walk on 20 August will also mark the 90th anniversary of the pool, and help raise further funds towards the restoration.
People have been enjoying this unique walk across Morecambe Bay’s perilous sands for centuries. Led by the Queen’s official ‘Guide To The Sands’, this is bound to be a memorable day out.
To find out more or to get involved, visit the Save Grange Lido website. Read further coverage of the restoration on the Outdoor Swimmer website here.
Photos: Save Grange Lido, Fraser Dootson.
Jo Tinsley
Jo is the Gear Editor for Outdoor Swimmer and also writes news and features for the website. A keen open water swimmer and long-distance walker, she loves seeking out lakes and lidos close to her home in the Mendip Hills, Somerset. She is the author of The Slow Traveller, editor and founder of independent magazine, Ernest, and has previously tested outdoor clothing and kit for BBC Countryfile Magazine, BBC Focus and Ernest Journal.
