News / Jubilee Pool
How one street is highlighting plight of much-loved pool
Take a wander down Somerset Road and you’ll soon see a theme starts to emerge.
The Knowle street’s annual Advent window display has this year been dedicated to highlighting the need to save Jubilee Pool, a community facility much-loved by many that faces an uncertain future.
From light-up cut outs of the art deco building on Jubilee Road to poems, festive swimming images – even Olaf got in on the action to spread the word about the pool’s plight.
is needed now More than ever
In January this year, Jubilee Pool was saved from permanent closure after Bristol City Council and operators Parkwood agreed a deal that will keep it running until the end of the existing contract in March 2022.
Now, campaigners fighting to keep it open are in a race against time to secure the future of the swimming pool, which could potentially see it transferred into community ownership.
Somerset Road’s annual window display has this year been dedicated to highlighting the need to save Jubilee Pool – photo courtesy of Rachel Heaton
Rachel Heaton is coordinating the Advent window display that has been an annual fixture since 2016.
“This year, because of the plight of our beloved local Jubilee Pool, we decided to have a theme to show our support for the fight to keep it open,” says Rachel.
“Our community is feisty and strong and we have come together shouting ‘save our pool’ with a large helping of glitter and sparkle.”
One of the windows on Somerset Road lit up at night – photo courtesy of Rachel Heaton
Through December, more window displays will be popping up along the street. Rachel adds: “Neighbours experience a moment of awe and wonder every day as the windows pop up. It’s fun, involves the whole community and gets everyone feeling Christmassy.”
Coming to the door on Friday afternoon, Sarah Pigott is happy to pose for a photo, complete with snorkel, next to her glittery ‘save Jubilee Pool’ masterpiece in the front window.
“It’s massive for this community,” says Sarah, who has been swimming regularly at the pool for some 27 years, adding: “I taught my son to swim there.”
Just some of the windows on display along Somerset Road – photos by Ellie Pipe and supplied by Rachel Heaton
Main photo by Ellie Pipe
Read more: South Bristol swimming pool saved from permanent closure – again
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