JESUS GREEN LIDO
more days, they would turn up all those days as well. “It has definitely become like a small community hub. We have a lot of people who turn up that aren’t even swimming – it’s too cold for them at that point – but still want to talk with their friends who are swimming or go to the cafe.” Regular users are the beating heart of the facility; the lido is home to an open-air swimming club, who offer a welcoming community to returnees and newcomers alike. “A lot of people come to the lido to train for outdoor events,” remarks Kane. “Many people start swimming without a wetsuit, doing heads-up breaststroke. Then they get into it and the community, pick a wetsuit and end up getting into wild swimming from that. The support network is easy to chat to, always there and they’ve got a lot of experience. They give you tips
It has definitely become like a small community hub
got these two distraught ducks on both sides. They are very hard to catch.” To celebrate the 100th birthday, the Friends of Jesus Green Lido will be putting on a summer soirée complete with food, drink and live music. A series of other events, from swimathons to performances, will follow, all culminating with the lido’s birthday party in August. If you remain unconvinced about getting involved, Kane urges: “When you get in, it’s painful. But if you push through for a few minutes, it suddenly becomes quite pleasant. Then, when you get out, you’ve got a smile on your face the rest of the day.”
about what kit to buy and your technique and stuff like that.” When asked why so few lidos survive, Kane suggests it may be down to rising costs of maintenance. The old-fashioned infrastructure comes with its own set of challenges, not least the local wildlife. “We get ducks in the pool,” laughs Kane. “There’s nothing to stop them. I think they believe it’s their own pool to be honest. They have ducklings, but unfortunately, due to the size of the pool and how it’s laid out, there isn’t a way for them to get out. Once they get in, they’re stuck overnight, and you come in the morning and you’ve
CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK JUNE 2023 35
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