THE grand opening of Chagford Swimming Pool following a major refurbishment programme will take place on August 9 — and everyone in the town is invited to take a dip!
Chagford Swimming Pool committee said the pool was now 'a joy to behold and wonderful to swim in'.
Just two years ago it was feared that it might be lost to the community because of its then sorry state.
Corroded filtration pipes have been replaced, a solar pool cover installed and the area around the pool has been decked. Changing rooms have been put in and the pool made bigger.
The 65-year-pool has been brought up-to-date but the work is ongoing and there are plans to heat the pool eventually.
Committee member Amanda Statham said: 'It is an amenity which we are very proud of and which we will continue to improve and update with the ongoing encouragement of the community and of the many generous funding agencies.
'We want the whole community to come along and share the fun on August 9 — and see what we will achieve in phase three of the work.'
A fundraising appeal was launched back in September, 1998, and a target of £120,000 was met with financial help from West Devon Borough Council, Dartmoor National Park and the Foundation for Sport and the Arts, plus local donations and grants.
The celebrations, which include live music and a display, will start at 5.30pm. The pool will be officially opened by Lady Hayter Hames and Bob Young, chairman of the Chagford Recreational Trust, both of whom were instrumental in the fundraising campaign. Light refreshments will also be provided.
A short story competition is being held in conjunction with the opening of the pool on the theme of 'Water'.
Stories should be 1,200 to 1,500 words in length and the entry fee is £3.
The first prize is £50 plus publication in 'Devon Today' magazine and a commission for a second story for a further £50. The second prize is £50 and the third prize £25.
Roger Deakin, author of 'Waterlog', the recently published bestseller, and Terri Windling, author of over 30 books including the award-winning 'The Wood Wife' will be judging the entries.
Please send a sae for entry form to Landfill, Broomhill, Chagford, TQ13 8DD. (Mark your envelope Competition)