OUR HISTORY
 
A hollow was created in the course of a small stream which flows into the river Clyst between Clyst Hydon and Clyst St Lawrence. This was the beginning of the Swimming Pool and was made available, by the Squire of the village who owned the land, for the use of the locals. The pool was captured by the creation of a dam across the level portion of that part of the valley behind the Five Bells Inn. Water quality was not a priority but the water was kept 'clean' by natural replenishment as water flowed out.
This happened in 1913 and the pool was in regular use until the war years when it became silted and overgrown.
In the early 1950's a committee was formed with the aim of rejuvenating the premises. The Clyst Hydon and District Swimming Club was created. The stoned sides were plastered and floor concreted. A water filter was installed and the pool was available for the community. The former land owner, Lt. Col Pat Huyshe only once demanded rent which was paid on the spot -- £1.00.
In 2001/2 the Swimming Club and a band of joyful village volunteers undertook major reconstruction works to the pool. This resulted in the upgrading of the pool to more modern standards. A new water slide has been constructed at the deep end and a paddling pool for the younger members has been reinstated at the other end of the pool.
Special events are run throughout the year including a swimming gala, fried breakfast with a free swim and an annual friendly cricket match against Clyst Hydon cricket team. Anyone is welcome to come along to these events and it's a case of the more support the merrier. If you are interested, signs are put up at the pool and around the local area with full details of the dates and times. We welcome all newcomers.
In 2007 the club purchased the premises from the Huyshe estate with the aid of a grant from Howmet.

Anyone who pays the membership fee can swim and there is a band of volunteers who help supervise and keep the place running smoothly.

 

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Clyst Hydon Swimming Pool © 2008