Don’t shut the Baths

Wendy says keep over 50s swim time

Wendy Alexander MSP met many of the members of Renfrew over 50s swim club who are frustrated at plans to close the Victory Baths in Renfrew in January and February from 9am-12noon on Tuesday, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Wendy said:

“I was impressed by the strength of feeling amongst Renfrew over 50s to keep their morning swims”

Many of the eighty regular over 50 swimmers met Wendy on the morning of their AGM to lobby for a rethink of the morning closures till March”

Wendy said:

“Closing the pool in the mornings particularly hits the over 50s. Club members told me about the health and social benefits of their morning club. Women like Doris Jack who learned to swim at 70, men like Bill Love who were told to swim by their doctor, couples like Les & Christine Clark who win medals for their swimming whilst teaching others how to swim. The feeling was unanimous – any small saving in staff time will be outweighed in the loss of health benefits”

“Renfrewshire Leisure boasts of spending millions in the coming years – and yet a silly, short-sighted closure like this affects dozens of regular mature swimmers”

“And if the baths are closed the aerobic classes for over 50s will go as well. We all know – early exercise, is the best exercise – so I am calling on Renfrewshire Leisure to think again. Reopen the pool for morning swims and put a smile on the face of Renfrew’s pensioners”

Local club members told Wendy:

Doris Jack, Renfield Street
“I did not learn to swim until I was 70. It is a wonderful thing and I want my morning swims back as soon as possible”

Myra Hutchison
“The baths is my exercise, but it is also a community thing. It gets you out the house in the morning and stops the TV going on”

Isobel Brooks, Fulbar Street
“I’ve spend my life at these baths. I need the exercise now I am getting on. I want to come in the morning”

Bill Love, Craigielea Park
“I’ve been a member of the over 50s swimming club since I retired 12 years ago. In that time I have seen lots of health benefits. My doctor recommended swimming for me and lots of other members – and the companionship is great”

Christine Clark and husband Les, Haladale Crescent
“My husband and I have been coming 5 days a week for 12 years. I am a serious swimmer and win medals. Last year I swam 190 miles – an average of 2 miles a day for every swim. I like to help out at the club, particularly to help others to learn to swim later in life”