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Ron's Rescue Day at Sandford Parks Lido

On Bank Holiday Monday 25 May 2015 Sandford Parks Lido shall be celebrating the 80th Anniversary of the grand opening of the lido in Cheltenham.

Sandford Parks Lido, Cheltenham opened its gates for the first time on Saturday 25 May 1935 and the mayor of Cheltenham was reported by the Gloucestershire Echo to have commented:
‘I think the town council may be forgiven a little justifiable pride as they look around at this beautiful scene. They have converted a wilderness into a garden, and from an ugly chrysalis has emerged a beautiful butterfly. But unlike the butterfly this beautiful pool will not merely live its little day and be no more. As the years go by and the young trees and shrubs grow up its beauty will be enhanced and its charm increased.’

In 2014 one of the lido’s greatest champions visited the facility for the last time. No more will we hear the sound of Ron Coltman MBE at the lido gate, jangling a bunch of keys, enthusiastically ushering in the ‘kids’ with his usual ‘welcome to paradise!’ Ron was passionate about the survival of his beloved lido and he was also passionate about water safety. As well as being a lifeguard and manager for many years, Ron went on to become one of the founding trustees of the charitable trust which has now operated the lido since 1996.

In honour of Ron Sandford Parks Lido shall be celebrating the 80th anniversary of the lido opening with Ron’s Rescue Day which will take place on Bank Holiday Monday 25 May 2015 from 11am welcoming young and old to come and celebrate the survival of a special bit of ‘paradise’ in the heart of Cheltenham.

Sandford Parks Lido are extremely grateful for the support of the following organisations who will be present on the day to demonstrate and educate on water safety. Gloucestershire Fire & Rescue Service, South West Ambulance Service, Severn Area Rescue, East Midlands Ambulance Service, RNLI, Royal Lifesaving Society, Cheltenham Lifesavers and not forgetting Pete Lewin and his rescue dogs.

There will be other fun activities throughout the day including Ron’s Races for under 8s, Fitness sessions for children run by Matt Wagstaff Fitness and Therapy and Beat the goalie (the member of staff in goal will not be up to Ron’s professional standards!). Entrance for children under 16 on this day will be free. Children under the age of 8 must be accompanied by a paying adult.

Explore Gloucestershire
18 May 2015

For further information.