Welcome to 2022. We hope this will be an easier year for everyone after the difficulties of 2020 and 2021.
The Judicial Review supported by the KLPA, which is challenging the charging regime at the Hampstead Heath Bathing Ponds on grounds of Disability Discrimination, is due to take place on 23-24 February 2022. There are still ways in which you can support this challenge before the date of the hearing:
- The Crowd Funding page is still live here and so far we have raised over £11,500 from more than 350 supporters. Please contribute what you can and share the details with friends, family and colleagues. When we have more details of the arrangements at court for a public gallery, we will let members know.
- On Saturday 22 January 2022 between 9 am and 11 am, the KLPA will be selling merchandise at the Ladies’ Pond. KLPA hi-viz knitted hats, seasonal KLPA mugs and the Wild Swimming Walks book will all be on sale for £10 each. The hats and mugs can be bought as sets of 4 (including mix and match options) for £35. Hi-viz hats continue to help the lifeguards keep swimmers safe at this time of year when visibility at the pond can be poor.
The KLPA is continuing to participate in meetings with City of London Corporation managers, to engage constructively where possible and to challenge the worst excesses of their charging regime where necessary. This week at the Sports and Wellbeing Forum we heard the news that the Chair of the Hampstead Heath, Highgate Woods and Queen’s Park Management Committee, Anne Fairweather, is stepping down in March, one year earlier than expected. We await news of her successor. Details are reported here in Ham & High.
We will continue to keep members informed of any new developments in the meantime.
