The Wiveliscombe pool has been hit hard by rising energy prices. To guarantee its future, the charity run pool is looking to raise one hundred thousand pounds. 

The energy crisis presents an acute problem for the gas heated venue. The trustee’s solution: a new solar array and an air source heat pump. 

Charity chairperson, Liz Hurry, told the Wellington Weekly News these installations would ensure environmental and financial sustainability. The pool is approaching its hundredth birthday. The trustees hope these new measures will ensure it sees a hundred more. 

The Wiveliscombe Community Swimming Pool Club, better known as the Wivey pool, relies on the goodwill of local residents. Unlike gas, goodwill is in no short supply in Wivey. As one local resident wrote: "Wivey pool is a great distraction from the outside world for me. I always leave feeling really calm, as it has a really relaxing atmosphere as well as a great sense of community.

"I’m a swimmer which means I have been to many pools, but Wivey pool is by far my favourite one. I feel very lucky to have a job there which means I get to spend a lot of time there, and I love that my hobby can give me a job too."

Works have already begun to ensure the sustainability of the pool. In 2021 a large 10KW array of solar panels were installed at the site These panels produce most of the electricity required to operate the pumps. But the charity wants to go further. In an Autumn update they outlined their ambition to triple their solar array to 30KW, and install an air source heat pump.

The charity estimated these measures would cut the cost and carbon footprint of the pool by 80%. The heat pump and solar array are set to cost the pool £100,000. By the new year the charity had raised an impressive £55,000. To make up the difference, the charity has some ambitious events planned. 

In August this year a relay team of young 10 parishes locals will attempt to swim the English Channel. The team is being trained by pool trustee and volunteer lifeguard Hamish McCarthy, as they prepare to face cold waters and stinging jellyfish. The team are making safety a top priority, and the swim will have an official pilot and boat in attendance. 

In a statement this month the charity said the planned feat was “considered to be the Everest of open water swimming.” 

If you would like to contribute to the fundraiser you can find the Wivey Pool Just Giving page at www.justgiving.com/campaign/wiveypool. If you would like to help in any other way the pool’s chair, Liz Hurry, can be contacted at [email protected].