The Pells Pool in Lewes recently celebrated a successful decade of fundraising parties headlined by dynamic Lewes covers band Tongue and Groove.
Over the last 10 years more than £25,000 has been raised for local good causes, including Starfish Youth Music project and the Lewes Pells Pool itself.
Their Midsummer Madness Pool Party this year was the biggest ever, with nearly £3,300 raised from just one amazing evening at the pool.
The Pells Pool marked the occasion by donating its share of the funds raised to a new Landport and Malling Summer Play scheme.
Pool manager Phil Ransley said, “With fireworks from Waterloo Bonfire Society, stage management support by Lewes Youth Theatre, plus bands from Starfish Youth Theatre, this was a real community event. It also sold out more quickly than any pool party so far.”
Conrad Ryle, chair of the Pells Pool Community Association, said, “These Midsummer parties have become a highlight in the pool year. As the Pells becomes ever more popular, we wanted to show our appreciation to the community by donating to a great local initiative for children.
“The play scheme will provide children from Malling and Landport with some great summer activities - our funding is supporting a play worker to make sure this all runs really well. We will also be opening up the pool for them for a free morning swim, as an added bonus.”
Phil Rhodes, the front man of the headlining act, was on hand to celebrate with the Starfish organiser, Pells lifeguards and children from the local area.
In the climax to the 2015 show, he had emerged from the depths of dry-ice-covered pool to deliver a rousing rendition Uptown Funk. Asked what he was planning for 2016 to top this year’s finale, he was enigmatic. “There’s only one way to find out”, he smiled, “buy yourself a ticket ... “
There is another party at the pool on Saturday, September 5- the Lazy Flamingo end of season pool party. Staged for first time in 2014, it was so popular it’s back for more and for longer hours.
Phil Ransley said, “It delivers a more laid back vibe then other events, but just as enjoyable.”