February 2026 Newsletter
Issue 23
Download Full Newsletter Here
February News From Birtley Community Pool
As we head into February, we want to thank you for your continued support of Birtley Community Pool. From families enjoying weekend swims to regular lane swimmers, class attendees, volunteers, and supporters, you are the heart of our pool. Here’s what’s coming up this month, including half-term fun, ways to share your feedback, and a behind-the-scenes update from our Christmas closure.
February Half-Term
Running from Monday 23rd February to Sunday 1st March
February Half-Term TimetableNew Inflatable Run
What’s new?
- A smaller inflatable run, perfect for younger children
- Still a fun challenge for older kids to test their balance
- Running alongside our current inflatable means shorter queues and more variety
- A more confidence-building option for children who may find larger inflatables daunting
Inflatable & Slide Sessions:
- Mon, Wed & Fri 12:30-1:30pm & 1:45-2:45pm
- Tue & Thu 1:45-2:45pm & 3-4pm
- Sat 1:15-2:15pm & 2:30-3:30pm
- Sun 1:15-2:15pm
Slide Sessions:
- Mon-Wed & Fri 10-11:45am
- Thu 10am-1pm
- Sat & Sun 10am-12:30pm
Public Swimming
General public and lane swimming is available during February half-term during the following times:
- Mon 6:15-11:45am & 3:30-9:30pm
- Tue 6:15am-12:45pm & 4:45-9:30pm
- Wed 6:15-11:45am & 3:30-7pm
- Thu 6:15am-1pm & 4:45-9:30pm
- Fri 6:15-11:45am
- Sat & Sun 7am-12:30pm
Aqua Classes
All Aqua classes will run as normal during the February Half-Term:
- AquaSocial Mon 10:30am
- AquaFit Tuesday 12pm
- Aquafit Tuesday 7:15pm
- Aquafit Wednesday 9:15am
- AquaIntro Thursday 7pm
Meet The Team
Trustee – Dean Cox
Dean supports us with a variety of practical tasks around the facilities. With his background of working at the pool and a long-standing connection to Birtley, his experience and local knowledge are greatly valued.
Trustee – Anne Atkinson
Anne joined the board last year as Assistant Treasurer. She brings great financial management experience and enthusiasm to the role, and we’re delighted to have her as part of the board.
Leisure Attendant – Thomas
You can usually spot Thomas around the centre with a spray bottle or mop in hand, he’s one of our super cleaners keeping the pool spotless for you all. He’s a dedicated hard worker that we’re so pleased to have as part of our team!
Leisure Attendant – Charlie
Charlie is another one of our dedicated lifeguards. You may have caught one of our DJ inflatable sessions where DJ Charlie was spinning some decks and bringing a whole new layer of fun to inflatable sessions.
Become a Trustee
We’re looking for new Trustees to join the charity board — especially individuals with experience in community engagement, volunteer management and / or marketing. If you’re passionate about community projects and want to help shape the future of Birtley Community Pool, we’d love to hear from you!
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!
Have Your Say
Annual Customer Survey
Our annual customer survey is now open and we’d love to hear your thoughts on what’s working well and where we can improve. Your feedback really matters to us and helps shape the future of our pool. It will also help us with the funding applications we make for future improvements.
Please take a few minutes to complete the survey, every response makes a difference. Follow this link to complete the survey!
We’ve already reduced our gas and electric usage by 50% due to the new boilers, LED lighting, insulating the pipework and reducing electricity usage.
We are also applying to funders to install solar panels on the flat part of the roof.
Share Your Story
Would you be happy to share how the pool has positively affected you or your family? We’re looking for customers to give case studies to help us showcase the positive impact of the pool within the community.
If you’d like to take part, please speak to a member of the team or email us, we’d love to hear from you.
Pool Updates
Christmas Closure – What We’ve Been Up To
During our Christmas closure, the team worked hard behind the scenes to ensure the pool was clean, and ready for 2026!
We focused on:
- Deep cleaning across the building
- Essential maintenance work
- Staff training and development
RLSS NPLQ Lifeguard Course
Interested in becoming a lifeguard or refreshing your qualification?
We’re running a 5-day Lifeguard Course.
Dates: 23rd-27th February
Price: £280
This is a great opportunity for adults of all ages who want to develop a useful life skill or explore new career opportunities like volunteering with us. This qualification also grants UCAS points.
To register your interest email
Pool Rules & Etiquette
Lane Etiquette
Choose a lane that matches your speed.
- Take care when entering an occupied lane — Sit at the side and hang your legs in the water to signal your intention to join, and wait for swimmers to complete two laps before starting to swim.
- Split the lane for two swimmers; circle swim when there are three or more.
- Rest in the corner of the lane so others can turn easily.
- Avoid wide strokes like butterfly when lanes are busy.
- Equipment (e.g. fins & hand paddles) can only be used if safely and in consideration of others
Pool Rules
To help keep everyone safe and happy, please remember:
- Shower before swimming – it helps keep our water sparkling clean.
- Skip the swim if you feel unwell or have an open wound.
- Babies must wear swim nappies at all times.
- Be respectful to our coaches, lifeguards, and fellow swimmers.
- Avoid swimming on a full or empty stomach.
- Walk, don’t run! The poolside can be slippery.
- No mobile phones or photography – for everyone’s privacy and safety, please do not use phones or take photos/videos in the changing areas, poolside, or around the pool. This rule helps protect and safeguard all our swimmers, especially children.
Get in touch with Birtley Community Pool
Address
Birtley Community Pool, Durham Rd, Birtley,
Chester-le-Street, DH3 2PA