It took over 30 years for Formby to finally get their swimming pool
On 27th January 2007 Formby Pool opened its doors to the Formby community, and as its children swam their first lengths, and so history was made...
Many years ago, over a sip or two in a local public house, a group of Formby residents agreed that their "Village" required its own swimming pool. Thus, began years of fund raising - fairs, bring and buys, social events - all to help raise the funding for this much-needed facility.
Today, there will be many people who will look back and remember being part of those fundraising days - and younger generations will be grateful for this enthusiasm and persistence in getting the job done!
The locally based Moores family were drawn into the project, and with their backing and financial input the once local football ground was purchased. Plans drawn up, negotiated over, eventually finalised and Formby Pool began to become a reality - not just a dream.
Formby Pool is run by a three-way partnership, consisting Trustees forming Formby Pool Trust. Formby Land Trust (Patrick Moores) and representatives from Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council. It boasts a 25-metre main pool and a 12-metre learner pool. A café providing healthy, enjoyable and tasty food. The air-conditioned gym offers users up to date equipment, with wellness programmes devised by trained staff. The facility is surrounded by gardens and its wild flower meadow, which allows our children to play in a safe and enjoyable environment.
Many groups now take their place within the Formby Pool's timetable. Swimming, aqua, pilates, workouts, runners, walkers. The newly formed Friends of Formby Pool gives its members the opportunity to join in and add their ideas and suggestions to the running of the Pool.
In 2017 and to the delight of all the partners involved, the lease for the forthcoming ten years was agreed - giving a security to all involved in the operating of the facility. This will lead the way to moving forward with confidence and an awareness that Formby Pool Trust will continue to evolve and be "The Heart of the Village."
Formby Pool is now the Hub of our community, hosting Formby Live each year and this year hosted it's very first Festival in the Formby Pool event which was a great success!
Now Formby Pool is undergoing a huge extension costing almost £1 million thanks to a donation from the Freshfield Foundation. The extension will be open to the public in Spring 2019. Read the story HERE
This photo was taken on the Queens Silver Jubilee in 1977 as the floats and parade went through Formby. The Mini has a placard on it's roof which says:
"Formby Swimming Pool Appeal Association - We need your waste aluminium".
Photo thanks to Joan Rimmer
Celebrations will take place to celebrate the 10th Birthday from 27th January and we will tell you all the details shortly.
For information about Formby Pool and their facilities, please go to their website:
