Letter: Now Lymington Swimming Club is being denied its usual access, where does that leave our efforts to raise £40,000?

WHEN we married in 1959 my late husband, Vince Keeping, and I were members of Lymington Swimming Club. The only swimming we had then was in the outdoor baths. During the winter we swam first at Christchurch and later in the newly opened New Milton Recreation Centre.

The committee, which we were both on, made a decision to push for some sort of indoor pool in Lymington. We started fundraising. My husband had joined the Royal Navy by then but the rest of us entered into it with great enthusiasm. The teamwork was wonderful!

Stalls, fashion shows and many other events were arranged. In the 1960s I ran the second antique stall in Lymington market. I attended the sale room and bought every bit of small unsold lots, china, etc. The members made cakes, jam, marmalade and plants were donated. I had an open house on Friday evenings and the donations were delivered. The stall became very popular and the funds started to mount.

This went on for a few years, and finally interest came from the NFDC and HCC for a recreational centre, including a swimming pool, to be shared with the public and Priestlands School.

By the time it was opened we had raised £40,000!

Now that the Lymington Swimming Club is being denied its usual access, my question is: where does that leave our efforts and the £40,000?

Does not Lymington Swimming Club deserve better?

Bette Keeping

Lymington