Students make a splash at new pool opening

Libby cut the ribbon to open the centre

Wardle Trust’s new swimming pool – Watergrove Centre – officially opens to the public in 2019, following 12 months’ building work.

A competition was held within the Trust primary schools to design a swimming pool mascot and safety poster with the winner being chosen to ‘cut the ribbon’ and open the swimming pool.

This was held on Wednesday 5 December at Wardle Trust’s new Watergrove Centre. The event was attended by Trust governors, Rochdale councillors and several students and staff from each school within the Trust.

The winner of the mascot and safety poster was Year 6 student from St James C of E Primary School, Libby. As well as cutting the ribbon, Libby and her Year 6 class were the first ones to have a lesson in the newly refurbished swimming pool.

Year 6 student Libby said: “It’s been a really great experience winning and being the first in the pool.

“I can’t wait to come with my class again.”

This was an exciting event for all involved in the refurbish of the pool and its facilities, including the local community who are excited about getting their swimming facilities back.

Dr Wright, CEO of Wardle Trust said: “This pool opening has been a long time coming. I would like to say a huge thank you to Mr Butterworth for co-ordinating the finance throughout, Councillor Emsley and Link 4 Life for their support throughout the process, Mrs Nixon for co-ordinating all the building work and to Miss Sanderson our Business Development Manager.

“The swimming pool will be open for public and school swims from February.”

Timetables will be released in 2019.