Club Meeting 5th August 2024

 In the picture: Club President Steve with guest speaker Neil Montgomery.

Neil is the manager of the Thamesdown Hydrotherapy Pool based in Jefferies Avenue, Swindon.

Back in the 1970’s a Hydrotherapy Pool for Swindon was the dream of a few movers and shakers in the Town, not least the late Peter Jones, a prominent Rotarian, Freemason, member of Christ Church and known to many of us in the room.   Peter and others set up an enthusiastic fund-raising programme, which even included a sponsored walk on the M4!  (Obviously before it was ready to open for traffic).   Lord Joel Joffe of Hambo Life came on board with a very generous donation and in 1979 with the opening of the Pool the dream came true.

Following advice, the pool was built big, measuring 13.5m by 6m.  It is not deep, it ranges from 0.8m to 1.5m, for the very good reason that it needs to be “walkable” for its entire length.  Warm water is essential for hydrotherapy treatment and the temperature is maintained at 33-34 degrees with the air temperature balanced to match.  This compares to the 27 degrees for the water at the Health Hydro (a choice of name by Swindon BC which often causes confusion between the two different facilities) in Milton Road, Swindon.

The Hydrotherapy Pool is entered by steps, rather than a ladder, and is fully accessible with a static hoist and a ceiling mounted sling system.  All its facilities are on one level with automatic entry doors allowing easy access for wheelchair users.  The interior is especially designed for people with special needs in mind and has non-slip tiling and handrails throughout.  A sunken walkway along two sides of the pool allows easy access for training and safety.

Hydrotherapy relieves pain, helps with rehabilitation and offers many benefits for many conditions for all age groups.   Neil and his team of 4 see people with all disabilities, permanent and temporary, such as Arthritis, Asthma, Brain injuries, Cerebral Palsy, Multiple sclerosis, Muscular Dystrophy and Spina Bifada.   To use the pool a referral from a medical practitioner is necessary.   About 700 people use it every week.   

Thanks to several grants received from various sources (including £20,000 from the Wiltshire Community Foundation) the Pool has been developed and modernised over the years.

One of the biggest running costs is energy.  Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the energy bill shot up from £1,000 to £8,000 a month.   Solar panels have been installed, also cavity wall insulation and triple glazing.  A heat pump costing some £70,000 is next on the list.  A heat pump would almost, but not completely, eliminate the need for a gas supply.  

So the fundraising and grant applications are set to continue.

Website: Thamesdown Hydrotherapy Pool