Thank you to all KLPA members and swimmers from other ponds who turned out on Sunday afternoon for a safe-distanced protest at the Ladies’ Pond, and to everyone who helped with stewarding. About 200 of us were able to form a protective ring around the boundaries of the Ladies’ Pond from gate to gate via the Stock Pond path. We hope this has sent a clear message to the City of London about how much we care for our pond.
We would also like to say a heartfelt thank you to Nicky Mayhew who has just stood down as KLPA Chair, after making enormous efforts on behalf of KLPA members during a very challenging period at the Ladies’ Pond. We aim to carry on the good work and live up to her standards.
There is now a new ‘Swim for Victory’ section on this website under ‘Campaigns’ and KLPA members are encouraged to keep campaigning against the new enforced charging regime at the Hampstead Heath bathing ponds. We have produced some briefing notes to assist with further emailing which can be seen here. Please make use of these to assist in correspondence with your elected representatives and letters to the press, as well as continuing to write to the decision-makers at the City of London.
The KLPA believes firmly that:
- The swimming ponds are world-famous as an integral and historic part of Hampstead Heath. The methods required to ‘enforce’ payment will destroy their unique atmosphere.
- Swimming provides a community lifeline and is vital to the physical and mental health of many local people.
- The culture of the ponds is one where everyone is equal. There are many swimmers for whom £4.00 and £2.40 will be unaffordable, but there are others who would be willing to donate more IF they could be confident the money would be spent wisely.
- During the consultation the City ‘benchmarked’ charges for the ponds against swimming ‘facilities’ such as the Royal Docks, West Reservoir and the Serpentine which cater for swimmers engaged in athletic training. This is not the way in which most people swim in the ponds. Many of the women who visit the Ladies’ Pond do not necessarily swim but come to seek solace and inspiration in a safe, accessible place.
Thank you again for all your support and efforts – together we are strong.
Photographer and KLPA archivist Sarah Saunders has also published a gallery of more photographs from the protest here.