December 2025

As we wrap up an incredible year at Birtley Community Pool, we want to wish all our customers, volunteers, and supporters a very Merry Christmas. Your enthusiasm, kindness, and loyalty have helped our community pool continue to grow and thrive.

We hope you enjoy a healthy and relaxing festive season, and we look forward to welcoming you back in the New Year!

Christmas Inflatables Sessions

Join us for festive fun!

Inflatable sessions with Christmas music will take place on:

• 13th December 1:30pm & 2:45pm
• 14th December 1:30pm & 2:45pm
• 20th December 1:30pm & 2:45pm
• 21st December 1:30pm & 2:45pm

A great way for families to celebrate the season with a splash!

Christmas Opening Hours

• 23rd December Timetable: We will be open for half a day only — Please check our website or reception for specific session times.
• Closed from 23rd December at 1pm
• Reopening Saturday 3rd January at 7am

December 23rd Timetable

January 2026 Timetable

Meet the Team

Trustee – HR: Tracy is from Birtley and has been swimming at the pool since she was young. Her dad was a founder of Birtley Swimming Club, so the pool has always been an important part of her family. Since retiring in 2020, she’s been keen to support the community by becoming a trustee. With her HR career at BT, she now helps the pool with organisational work and people management.

Trustee – Customers: Jackie supports the pool with her experience in customer services, PR, marketing and volunteering. She provides advice on how we can communicate better with our customers and plays a big part in organising and supporting our volunteers. We’re grateful for the time and skills she brings to the pool.

Lead Leisure Attendant: You may have seen Elise in her new blue shirt, or in our recent promotional video! She’s Birtley born and bred and has been with us for a year, recently promoted to Lead Leisure Attendant after showing real dedication and growth. She works hard, supports the team, and we’re proud to have her as one of the Leads guiding our Leisure Attendants.

Leisure Attendant / Acting Lead Leisure Attendant: Megan works full-time as a Leisure Attendant and often steps up into the Lead Leisure Attendant role. She’s reliable, hard-working, and a dedicated team member. Megan is known for her great attitude, and her love of Oreos! If you’re ever wondering why the vending machine is out of them, she may be the culprit!

Parking Update

Statement from Local Councillor Joe Sowerby

“It has been brought to the attention of local councillors that some users of Birtley Community Pool have been parking on the surrounding streets. We understand that this is an issue for residents, however the pool has provided sufficient parking options for pool users, but some are personally choosing to ignore this advice and causing issues for residents. Whilst infuriating there is little to be done except remind users not to park in residential areas, where possible we will try and come up with solutions if the issue keeps happening.”

— Cllr Joe Sowerby, Birtley and Barley Mow for Gateshead Council

Customer Reminder

To help maintain a positive relationship with our neighbours, please:

• Use our car park or alternative nearby public car parks, such as the large parking area near Morrisons during busy times (Mon to Fri 3–7pm).
• Do not park in the residential streets by the pool.
• Park within designated bays in the pool car park, please do not take up two spaces.
• Thank you for helping us keep our community respectful and welcoming!

Facility & Building Updates

Improvement Works During Christmas Closure

During our closure period, you may notice lights on inside the building. This is our staff working onsite to:

• Refresh facilities
• Carry out maintenance
• Improve the pool environment for the New Year

This is also the perfect time to share your feedback!

If there’s something you’d love to see improved, updated, repaired, or added, please let us know (feedback form on our website, QR codes in the building), your input helps shape our community pool.

Renewable Investment Update

We’re committed to reducing our energy consumption and carbon footprint.

We are currently applying for funding to install:

• Solar energy panels
• Destratification fans

These improvements will help reduce our running costs and help us become more financially sustainable for the future.

We are pleased to share that we have already secured part of the required funding, and we are optimistic about securing the remaining amount in the coming months.

Random Acts of Kindness

Sharing a lovely act of kindness happening around the pool! A generous member of our community has been creating small crochet items for people to find as part of Random Acts of Crochet Kindness.

She’s even made some little crochet fish especially for us, keep an eye out and see if you can spot any of these hidden around the building and near the pool. If you find one, feel free to take a photo and share it in the Random Acts of Crochet Kindness UK Facebook group & help spread the joy.

These colourful creations are sure to brighten your day, so have a look around… you never know where one might appear!

We’re Hiring

Operations Coordinator

We’re looking for a motivated and proactive Operations Coordinator to join our team!

• Salary: £26,754 per year

(plus early shift payments)

• Hours: Full-time, 37.5 hours
• Role: Supporting operations, customer experience, leading staff, and day-to-day facility management.

Email completed applications to: info@birtleycommunitypool.org.uk

Volunteers Needed

Whether you have a few spare hours or can commit to a regular schedule, your support will help us continue providing excellent services to the community.

We are currently recruiting for the following volunteer roles:

• Practical Tasks Volunteers
• Administration & Reception Volunteers
• Fundraising & Income Generation Volunteers

If you’d like to get involved, please email us at info@birtleycommunitypool.org.uk

Your time and effort will be invaluable in supporting the pool’s success!

Donations

Help Us Make a Splash! 💦

We’re still fundraising for exciting new inflatable obstacle course sections, and your support can make a big difference! Donations are gratefully received via our GoFundMe page: gofundme.com/new-obstacle-course-inflatables-for-birtley-community-pool

Get in touch with Birtley Community Pool