CAMPAIGN UPDATE: PROGRESS, BUT OUR PATHWAY IS STILL NOT PROTECTED
We want to update everyone who has signed and supported our campaign. Your support is making a difference, but our campaign is not over.
Last weekend, Penrith and Solway MP Markus Campbell-Savours visited Penrith Swimming Club to meet our swimmers, families, coaches and volunteers and see first-hand what our Club means to the community.
Following his visit, our campaign reached Parliament, with Markus tabling Early Day Motion 778, "Penrith Swimming Club", calling for our provision to be protected.
You can read the motion here:
https://edm.parliament.uk/early-day-motion/66517
GLL HAVE APOLOGISED, BUT THEY STILL WANT OUR PATHWAY TO STOP
Since our campaign reached Parliament, there has been important progress.
GLL has apologised for the way this situation was initially handled and acknowledged that mistakes were made.
The fixed cessation date that had been hanging over the Club has also been removed while discussions continue.
This represents a significant change from 1 August, when we received an email stating that Penrith Swimming Club "will not be authorised to operate any Junior Learn to Swim sessions" following the summer break.
We welcome GLL's apology and the more constructive conversations now taking place.
However, the underlying proposal has NOT been withdrawn.
GLL still wants Penrith Swimming Club's own introductory Learn to Swim provision to stop.
For us, this isn't simply about swimming lessons. This provision is the beginning of our entire Club pathway:
Learn. Develop. Train. Compete. Coach. Volunteer. Give back.
We have repeatedly made clear that we support GLL running and growing its own swimming programme. We believe Penrith is better served by having more opportunities to swim, not fewer.
Two programmes. Family choice. One strong swimming pathway for Penrith.
OUR £40,000 CONTRIBUTION
This week we were particularly interested to read Westmorland & Furness Council's response to the announcement that the Winter Droving is moving from Penrith.
The Council has sought reassurance that funding it provided to Eden Arts will continue to deliver benefit in the area in accordance with the funding agreement.
We understand that principle completely.
In the 1990s, Penrith Swimming Club and our community undertook a major fundraising drive and contributed £40,000 towards the Frenchfield Teaching Pool at Penrith Leisure Centre.
We are not suggesting that historic contribution gives the Club ownership of the pool. It doesn't.
But we believe its purpose and legacy matter.
If the Council wants reassurance that its financial support continues to deliver the community benefit for which it was provided, we are asking for reassurance that the legacy of our Club and community's £40,000 contribution is protected too.
The Frenchfield Teaching Pool has helped generations of children begin their journey into Penrith Swimming Club. We want that to continue for generations to come.
PLEASE KEEP SUPPORTING US
We are now approaching another important stage of discussions with GLL and Westmorland & Furness Council.
Please continue sharing our campaign, speaking to friends and family and encouraging people to sign.
We are pushing towards 2,500 signatures and every single name strengthens our voice.
Please also consider contacting your local MP and asking them to support Early Day Motion 778, or sharing your concerns directly with:
Most importantly, please keep signing and sharing our petition:
https://www.change.org/p/save-our-swimming-club-save-penrith-swimming-club-s-learn-to-swim-provision
Thank you to everyone who continues to stand alongside our swimmers, families, coaches and volunteers.
The ultimatum has gone. The conversation has changed. But our pathway is still not protected.
Protect the beginning. Protect the pathway. Protect the future.