About
Friends of Hathersage Pool
Views of Stanage, Millstone Edge and Offerton Moor make the setting unique and beautiful.
A group of like minded people have got together and called ourselves the Friends of Hathersage Pool. Our aim is to do what we can to help to support the pool so that it continues to be the huge asset that it is. The pool is something of a secret to many visitors and also inhabitants of the area. We will therefore advertise and promote it. As Friends of the Pool we are
interested and care for its future. We aim to marshal our enthusiasm and energy. The pool is currently run by Hathersage Parish Council, with financial support from Derbyshire Dales and High Peak District Councils. Like all local authorities, they are coming under increasing pressure from the government to make savings. In addition to funding the ongoing running costs, the Parish Council needs to secure additional capital resources to make possible significant repairs to the pool over the next year or two. We will be raising funds to help. The level of support required means that finance is always on the agenda and in an age of uncertainty we do not intend to sit idly by.
As individuals, perhaps none of us can offer the historically unique generosity of Mr. Lawrence. However, as a group, we believe we can support his vision and equal his passion by protecting and developing his legacy for the enjoyment of future generations.
Thank you very much for your interest and support.
Members of the Executive Committee
History and background of the pool
Originally reported as the Memorial Hall Bathing Pool, Hathersage Swimming Pool was opened on Saturday, 25 July 1936.
- George H Lawrence
The pool was a gift to Hathersage and is derived solely from the extraordinary beneficence of Mr. George H. Lawrence, a successful Sheffield industrialist. The pool was part of a much larger gift: the King George V Memorial Field complex that included a swimming pool, bandstand and 236 chairs, two all weather tennis courts, large paddling pool, sand pit, gymnasium, refreshment room, sun bathing parlour (solarium) and gardens. This gift was provided in addition to a bowling green and grounds he presented to the village a year earlier. By any measure, this was indeed an outstanding donation to the people of Hathersage and the village of his adoption.
For 74 years our superb open air pool has been continuously available to the general public. It is 33 yards long and heated. In fact, usually at about 80ºF (27ºC), the pool is kept warmer than many indoor facilities such as the Olympic pool at Ponds Forge. The pool is located in the centre of the village adjoining the tennis courts and within 50 yards of the public car park. The pool retains its original bandstand, buildings, lawn area and covered viewing area. There are new changing rooms, hot showers, toilets and improved access for visitors with disabilities. The views of Stanage, Millstone Edge and Offerton Moor make the setting unique and quite beautiful. The pool is the only (remaining) public open air swimming pool in Derbyshire. We like to think of it as one of the jewels in the crown of the Peak District National Park.
We love it!