Month: August 2022

The Hampstead Heath Duathlon will take place on Sunday 4 September 2022, where participants swim at the Lido and bathing ponds, running between each location to complete a circuit of the Heath.  This event is managed by the City of London Corporation.

It means that the Ladies’ Pond will be closed for part of the morning, to allow lifeguards to set up the course, supervise the event and then clear up afterwards.  This usually means that the closure period will be approx. 8.30 and to 11.30 am.

By this date it should not be necessary to pre-book your swimming session, so the disruption to your morning swim can be offset with a later swim, without needing to pre-book.

Spectators may access the upper meadow during the Duathlon, so long as they are careful not to obstruct the runners as they arrive and leave via the main path and gate.

We hope that your morning swim is not too disrupted by this event, but please do co-operate with directions from the lifeguards whilst the Duathlon is taking place.

The KLPA will hold its monthly merchandise stall at the Ladies’ Pond, on Sunday 28 August 2022 from 9 am to 11 am.  We now have a new supply of silicon swimming hats in bright colours (pink, green and yellow) for just £5 each!  Books and mugs are also for sale and are only £10 each.  The seasonal set of KLPA mugs can be bought in sets of 4 for £35.  You can pay with cash, cheque or by card payment.

The bright coloured hats help with visibility for the lifeguards if you are swimming in poor light.  Although it may be difficult to imagine now, the morning light will soon be reduced as autumn arrives.  The hats, books and mugs all make great presents for friends and family too.

Help to support the work of the KLPA and join us at the merchandise stall on 28 August 2022.  We aim to keep our merchandise prices affordable so that they are accessible to as many swimmers as possible, and they all have a practical use.

EAST LONDON WATERWORKS PARK FUNDRAISING EXTENSION
In recent emails we have let members know about a crowdfunding appeal in aid of the East London Waterworks Park (ELWP) project. This aims to establish two bathing ponds in East London with free access to swimming. The crowdfunded has now been extended to 28 October 2022 having already reached over £231,000 (over £265,000 with Gift Aid.) They need to raise £500,000 by this date.

Recent press coverage in the Guardian can be seen here.

This project aims to convert a derelict industrial site next to the River Lea into a nature reserve which will welcome everyone from the local community. Keeping access to open water swimming free of charge is part of this aim for inclusivity, something that was once true of the Hampstead Heath bathing ponds. If you are able to make a donation please show your solidarity and support by clicking here.

You can read ELWP’s report of their inclusivity Listening Project here.

Signs such as the one pictured above are a common sight in countries like Australia where wildfire is a well understood danger.  In the last few weeks, unusually dry weather has led to wildfire outbreaks around London and similar signs might become a familiar feature in the UK too.  Disposable barbeques have been a particular issue recently.

The KLPA has been asked to remind members of the current fire risk on the Heath e.g. through discarded cigarettes or use of disposable barbeques.  Whilst smoking is not currently banned under Heath byelaws at the bathing ponds, it is strongly discouraged. Barbeques are not permitted at all.  There have been two recent incidents involving fire damage to the meadows at the Ladies’ Pond, believed to have been caused by a barbeque or open fire.  Fortunately these fires did not spread but could easily have done so, and they caused localised damage anyway. 

If you do see any careless disposal of cigarettes or use of barbeques at the Ladies’ Pond, please draw this to the attention of the staff on duty. Ideally, smoking should not be happening at all in such flammable conditions.

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On a more positive note, there is still time to contribute towards the crowdfunding appeal by the East London Waterworks Park Project.  This is a community led campaign to clean up a former Thames Water depot near Lea Bridge Road, restoring the natural environment and creating two bathing ponds.  The intention is that swimming here should be free of charge, so as to maintain inclusivity for the local community.  If you are able to, please consider donating by clicking the logo below: