The plans are nearly completed, finalising the detail is taking longer than expected. The overall size has been reduced because of cost and fitting all our needs into the new space has been tricky. With time running short it seems unlikely that the plans will be passed in time for a summer closedown. The foundation work and detailed design will continue but it seems that we will have to wait until summer 2009 to have our second storey.

Prices changes

March 1 st prices increased slightly to help cover the huge rise in fuel bills over the last two years. Running a pool is now a very expensive business but we will always strive to give you great value and I hope you can continue to support us.

Junior Water Polo Tournament – Sat April 5 th 4pm– Shirley Pool

Teams of five compete in two age groups, under 11 and over 11. Even if they have not played before, it is a simple game that all the children love. Swimmers may enter as an individual and be allocated into a team, or put together their own team.

Club Championships – Sat April 26 th 6pm- Quays

This is the best swimming night of the year, don't miss it. All levels from the “ Butterfly” level upwards are invited to take part; some breaststrokers will also be invited. It is a wonderful sight, nervous 6 year olds, teenagers sprinting butterfly and 300 screaming spectators. Everyone gets a medal and the kids get lots of sweets. £6.00 entry fee.

NEW Classes on Saturday

9.00-9.30am Frontcrawl - Backstroke - Beginners - Tadpoles & Turtles

9.30- 10.00am Breaststroke Arms – Breaststroke Legs – Beginners - Tadpoles & Turtles

Foy's Corner Festival – Sunday May 18 th

Presentations for the gala will be part of the festivities on this Sunday Family Picnic at the playing fields behind St.Mark's School. A Hog Roast, beer and lemonade tent are planned along with some bouncy entertainment for the children and diddly diddly dancing for the adults(Chelidh) Everyone is welcome.

Swim Team

Another Dolphins win. The top level of our swimming club are now unbeaten in two years. The visitors at the pool this time were the Christchurch Seagulls. Well done Chris the coach and swimmers.

Badges

The next distance badge testing is at 11.30am on Saturday April 26 th 2008 and then May 31 st . These are now limited in numbers, booking is essential. 2000m badge is the longest that may be attempted. There will be a long distance (5k) sponsored swim later in the year.

At 2.30pm on the same dates is members only inflatable session when child members of the lesson program can swim for £3.00 or use their birthday vouchers .

Diving awards from the ASA have been withdrawn. We are waiting to hear the replacement system.

Easter Crash Courses

Week 1: 7 th -11 th April Week 2: 14 th -18 th April. 2.00pm-4.00pm for main pool classes, 2.30-3.30 for beginners. £65.00 for the week. Great progress and fun for the kids. The first hour is tuition, the second is playtime.

Pool hygiene

Recently there have been several incidents of children being sick during a lesson and it is clear that they have been fed without enough time for digestion. No food or drink should be consumed a minimum of one hour before swimming Any crisps, chocolate, fizzy drinks are out of bounds before swimming.

If your child has had diarrhoeal illness recently they should not swim.

We have a flexible system that allows you to rearrange lessons, if in doubt, please postpone the lesson.

Feeding toddlers in the changing room is a good way to keep them content while you change, this we understand. It is, however, unpleasant to step on a soggy raisin or soppy sandwich. If you have to feed in the changing area please check the floor afterwards.

In our “new pool” we will have three changing areas that will give us more flexibility. Currently, the changing rooms are cleaned twice a day, between 3-4 and after we close. Between 4pm and 6pm , particularly at this time of year, the changing room do take a battering and we can't get in to clean.

If there are any areas we have missed, please bring it to our attention.

Direct Debits

This system is very popular and is now the only way to pay. The system relies on you telling us when you cannot attend. If you cannot give us notice it is not the end of the world, it just means you are not allowed to arrange a “make up” lesson.

Thank you also for your kind recommendations to friends and family; it is an invaluable source of promotion for the pool.