Today (30 September 2025), Historic Pool of Britain (HPB) marks its 10th birthday, reflecting on a decade of passion, perseverance, and partnership. Since its formation, HPB has worked to shine a spotlight on the nation’s much-loved swimming heritage – raising awareness, championing campaigns, and uniting people behind a shared belief: that historic pools are valued and loved by their communities.

Here are ten highlights and special memories from ten years of HPB.

1. A Fitting celebration in Newcastle

Very fittingly, HPB members are spending today at The City Baths Newcastle.  One of the organisation’s founder members, there’s perhaps no project that better embodies the spirit of HPB.  If it weren’t for communities stepping up to save pools like The City Baths, so many beautiful and vital civic spaces would have been lost.  As we celebrate the restoration achievements in Newcastle, we also hope that reaching ten years inspires those whose journeys are still ongoing.

2. The inspiration of Gill Wright

HPB owes its existence to the vision and determination of founder Gill Wright. Gill was a leading light in historic pools, having played an instrumental role in securing the future of Victoria Baths, and her legacy continues to shape everything we do. Her passing in 2021 left a huge gap, but her influence lives on in the people and projects that she inspired. We are often guided by asking: what would Gill do?

 

3. Going to Great Lengths

On our website, we record how, in their book Great Lengths(published in 2009 as the result of a partnership between English Heritage and Malavan Media), Dr Ian Gordon and Simon Ingliswrote:

“there is a case for the setting up of a national organisation focused not only on user groups but on the issues of conserving and managing historic baths themselves, with a central point of contact and a website.”

The directory produced during their research was placed by Simon into the guardianship of HPB and formed the bedrock of the organisation.  We are delighted that, all these years later, not only were we able to realise that vision, but that Simon has continued to support HPB as an ambassador.

4. The power of connection

One of HPB’s greatest strengths lies in the connections it forges – between community groups, campaigners, pool operators, heritage experts, and passionate individuals across the UK. These relationships have enabled knowledge-sharing, moral support, and collective action. The value of what this has achieved over the last ten years cannot be overstated.

 

5. Remembering Mike Kirkman

Another enormous loss came in 2022 with the death of Mike Kirkman, HPB trustee and a hugely respected figure in the world of pools. Mike oversaw the transformation of Sir Doug Ellis Woodcock Sports Centre in Birmingham, having ran some of the country’s flagship pool facilities throughout his career.  He brought vast experience and technical knowledge to HPB. Simply put: what Mike didn’t know about pools wasn’t worth knowing.

 

 

6. Inspiration as a watchword

Inspiration runs through every part of HPB’s story – from those who refused to give up on pools at risk, to the professionals and volunteers who bring them back to life, and who run them. It’s a word we return to time and again, because it encapsulates the spirit, energy, and dedication that underpins HPB.

 

 

7. Events that bring us together

Beginning with our London launch in 2015 – hosted by the team at Fusion Lifestyle and supported by The Heritage Alliance, with the then-chair Loyd Grossman a keynote speaker, HPB events have travelled the length and breadth of the country – from Stonehaven Open Air Pool to Saltdean Lido.  And along the way we’ve enjoyed everything from hard hat tours to toasts of celebration.  Helping to make these possible are our member pools, who kindly play host, and our incredible speakers, who share their knowledge and experiences.

 

8. The Lido Guide collaboration

Collaborating with Emma Pusilland Janet Wilkinson, authors of The Lido Guide, has been a real highlight for HPB.  Emma and Janet’s extensive knowledge and advocacy has been both invaluable and inspiring. It’s a relationship that has been formed with a shared passion for swimming, community and heritage and continues to flourish as we look to the future.

 

 

9. Birthdays to celebrate

As we rejoice our own milestone, it’s wonderful to remember historic pools across the country marking major anniversaries of their own.  This summer it was ten years since Lido Ponty in South Wales was restored to its former glory andArlington Baths Club in Glasgow celebrated 150 years since the opening of its Turkish Baths. We’ve seen Bramley Baths in Leeds turn 120, while both Stonehaven Open Air Pool and Droitwich Spa Lido have marked their 90th birthdays. And there are big celebrations ahead, with Victoria Baths in Manchester reaching 120 years and The Western Baths Club in Glasgow 150 years, in 2026.  Each of these notable moments reminds us why HPB exists – to honour the past, support the present, and ensure a future for these extraordinary places.

 

10. A national network with a lasting impact

In ten years, HPB has grown into a truly national network. With members and supporters spanning the UK. It has helped to raise the profile of historic pools not just as heritage assets, but as community lifelines and it looks to build upon this for its next chapter.

 

 

 

Thank you to everyone who has been a part of the HPB story so far.  Your support, knowledge, generosity, and belief have brought us to this point and we look forward to diving into the next chapter with you

Joe, Laura and Clare