3/11/1991 - 23/7/2006, 5377 days
"an occasional nudge in the ribs, an occasional kick up the backside, an occasional pat on the back"
- quote on sthoee's relationship with St. Pauls at the presentation
Writing an epitaph for a swimming pool is just plain weird.
It was a hard night for many of us. We knew the pool as babies, as kids, teenagers and adults. We swam there, we worked there.
St Pauls will always have a special place for us because its where a small group of lifeguards put together a small lifesaving club - we were told it would never be a success, it could never work out, but a decade and a half later we are stronger than ever and packing our suitcases for a move.
The last night was fairly simple, we started by packing the last of the gear. pretty much everything except the brick and a football. We had some exams to finish, mostly resus for Beach Lifeguards, the rest of us lugged gear that we forgot we had. The remaining noticeboard stuff was removed, we put up the new "move" posters.
First hour was a real swim, couple of lengths and a "wall of water", we then had some very special guests in Mrs Hayes, the school bursar and Kevin Ahern, the pool manager. After a small presentation of engraved clocks and a couple of short speaches reminding us of what the place and the club meant to us. Kevin shared a few words.
Teachers v swimmers waterpolo was played (12-8 to the teachers) and the weird & wonderful "wave machine" was put into place for one last time. The brick was signed by everyone (again). It took a lot longer than normal to clear the place, a few photos, messing with Towb, a little more gear shifted and we slipped quietly into the Cedars. For old times sake.
Strangely enough there were a few tears, mostly quiet ones.
Three close friends passed during our time in St. Pauls, it would be remiss not to remember them. Jane, Carol and Conor in our thoughts and prayers, always.
One day on the move is very much in focus, some staff were involved in a major initiative for the open water programme this morning, it will change the way we do everything in just a few weeks, more soon.
MPC 24/7/06