Memories of nostalgic lido shared on information signs in Northampton park

A volunteer group that supports a Northampton park has helped local residents to share memories of a nostalgic lido.

Buddies of Beckets put up a number of information boards earlier this year just before lockdown was introduced, including one looking back at the Midsummer Meadow Lido.

The outdoor pool was a popular attraction until it closed in the 1980s and has recently received attention after a local blogger wanted to know how many people would support the lido being reinstated.After the Chronicle & Echo posted about the idea on its social media, many people were keen to share their memories of the pool, which is exactly local people did for the information board in Beckets park.

Nick Stephens, chairman of Buddies of Beckets, said: “A proposal was formed in 2017 for Buddies of Beckets to create an exhibition in Beckets Park with people's photos and memories of the park.

“Originally the proposal was to have a temporary display which would be set up during the 2018 Mela, but as we developed the project we decided we wanted it to be a more permanent feature in the park.

“We cover part of Midsummer Meadow so we thought it would be nice to include a bit about the pool and the old power station.

“This board got the most memories from people we asked to contribute.”

Three local people have shared memories of the pool, which was described as ‘freezing cold’, for the board.

Another woman was able to share a picture of her and her father in the lido, taken in 1955.

Nick added: “The photo is of Sue Hoggarth at the age of four with her dad in the pool at Midsummer Meadow.

“Just a few days ago in 2020, Sue visited the area and saw the information board for the first time.

“We’ve had really positive feedback about the boards and loads of people have been looking at them.”

In terms of Emma Jones’ idea to reinstate the lido, Nick agrees that it would be a great addition to the town, but cannot see it happening.

“It would be lovely, but unless the council works in partnership or gets sponsorship or lottery money, I can’t see it coming into fruition," he continued.

“It would be great for getting people in from out of town and revitalising the towns and parks though and loads of young people have never experienced an outdoor pool that would be good.”

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