History of Bourne Outdoor Pool

Bourne Outdoor Pool is one of the largest of the few surviving outdoor pools in the country
The heated pool is near olympic size measuring 50 yards (not metres) in length

Situated at the southern end of the tranquil picturesque Abbey Lawns, close to the centre of the Historic Market Town of Bourne in South Lincolnshire

Operated and maintained since 1990 by the Bourne Outdoor Pool Preservation Trust, with the exception of the qualified lifeguards who are on duty during opening times, all other work to keep the pool running is undertaken on a voluntary basis by the committee and a dedicated group of volunteers

In addition to the main pool, facilities include: Toddlers Pool, Fountain Pool, extended Lawns with seating and picnic tables,Toddlers play area, Indoor Changing Rooms with toilets and showers, Disabled Changing Room with a toilet and shower, Baby changing facility, Takeaway Cafe serving Hot & Cold Drinks, snacks, sweets and ice cream and a Hot Drinks vending machine is available when the cafe is closed
1919 The historic monks fishpond which dates back to 1138 was converted into a swimming pool by keen local swimmers after the 1914-18 Great War
1932 Bourne United Charities obtained the Monks Garden and Abbey Lawns and began to modernised the pool
1966 New indoor changing rooms were built and the slabbed area poolside was extended to it current form
   
1971 Bourne Round Table raised the funds for the pools first heating system
1974 South Kesteven District Council took over the running of the pool from Bourne Urban District Council
1989 Following the decision by South Kesteven District Council to close the pool, a committee was formed to save the pool. Following a protest march through Bourne and a 4,000 name petition being presented to South Kesteven District Council the preservation trust was formed.
1990 Bourne Outdoor Pool Preservation Trust leased the pool from Bourne United Charities and took over the running of the pool
2000

Mrs Lesley Patrick the initial Chairperson of the trust, who was so instrumental in saving the pool from closure stood down and was succeeded by the current Chairperson Mrs Mandy Delaine-Smith
2001 The replacement of the life-expired boilers at a cost of £10K, signalled the start of a major programme of improvements alongside routine maintenance necessary to keep the pool in a serviceable condition
2006 A donation from The Len Pick Trust enabled the construction of the Disabled Changing Room which also included toilet and shower facilities
2007 A major refurbishment of the changing rooms was completed which included new toilet and shower facilites
New first aid treatment facilities were completed
The kitchen area in the cafe was modernised to meet the new food hygiene regulations and gained a five star rating on completion
2009 The 20th Season of operation by the trust, who continue to maintain this unique facility for the people or Bourne and beyond. Although the trust strive to maintain the traditional ambience of the pool, an ongoing programme of improvements will continue as funds permit to enable the pool to meet all Health & Safety and Food & Hygiene regulations
OPERATING COSTS
For the 2008 season our direct operating costs totalled £38,079 which equates to £380 per day
(Direct costs are classified as: Lifeguard Wages, Gas, Electricity, Chemicals, Water, Insurance & Rates)

Donations are gratefully recieved no matter how small to help us to maintain the pool
A Gift Aid scheme is in operation