October 2026 Newsletter
Issue 28
October 2026 Newsletter
October at Birtley Community Pool
October is here, bringing a little autumn magic to Birtley Community Pool! Whether you’re looking to keep the kids entertained over half-term with our inflatables, slide and lily pad sessions, or stay active with one of our aqua classes, there’s plenty to enjoy this month. We’re also sharing an important update on our solar panel project, giving you the opportunity to meet a trustee and have your say, and looking for more volunteers to help support our community pool. Dive in to find out what’s happening this October!
Solar Panels Update
We’re pleased to share an update on our plans to install solar panels at Birtley Community Pool. This project will help us reduce our energy costs, lower our carbon emissions and secure a more sustainable future for the pool.
Fundraising Progress
We’ve now raised £45,500 from funding organisations towards our £50,000 target, thanks to the generous support of several organisations:
- National Lottery – £20,000
- Sir James Knott Trust – £17,000
- Barbour Foundation – £5,000
- Rothley Trust – £2,500
- Moto Foundation – £1,000
We’ve also received £845 through our JustGiving campaign and £315 through GoFundMe, bringing the total raised to £46,660. Thank you to everyone who has supported our fundraising so far!
Why Plans Have Changed
Following the successful fundraising efforts, our solar panel supplier carried out a technical survey, including a structural assessment of the pool’s flat roof. Unfortunately, this identified that the roof cannot safely support the weight of the solar panels.
We therefore asked our supplier to investigate alternative locations, including car ports above the car park and the south-facing wall of the pool.
Unfortunately, these options were not financially viable.
The only viable alternative identified is a small area of grassland between Durham Road and the western end of the pool.
What the Proposed Installation Would Look Like
The proposed installation would have a relatively small footprint, with just 50 solar panels occupying an area of less than 40 square metres. The panels would be enclosed by a 1.8-metre-high green anti-climb metal fence.
The proposed location will only just be visible through the trees from a few of the nearby residential properties and not at all from the other nearby properties. A path for dog walkers will remain between the pool and the new fencing. The surrounding trees will not be affected by the installation.
How Solar Panels Will Benefit the Pool
The project is expected to:
- Reduce the pool’s electricity consumption by 14%.
- Cut annual carbon emissions by approximately 6,900 kg.
- Save around £7,000 a year in electricity costs.
These savings would make a significant contribution towards securing the pool’s long-term financial sustainability.
Have Your Say
As the proposed location is outside the pool building, we will need full planning permission from Gateshead Council before installation can go ahead. We intend to submit our initial planning application shortly, but we want to share our plans with our customers and the local community first.
We welcome your feedback, comments and questions about the proposal.
Please email info@birtleycommunitypool.org.uk to share your views or ask a question. We aim to respond promptly and will also publish a frequently asked questions document on our website next month.
You can also speak directly with a trustee at one of our monthly drop-in sessions. We want to hear from you and keep our community informed as the project progresses.
Thank you for continuing to support Birtley Community Pool as we work towards a more sustainable future.
Meet a Trustee We’d Love to Hear From You
Your community pool is here for you, and we want to hear what you think!
From the first Saturday of each month, a trustee will be available in the pool’s spectator area between 11am and 1pm for an informal chat with customers and members of the local community.
Whether you have feedback, a suggestion, a question about the pool, or a concern you’d like to discuss, this is an opportunity to speak directly with a trustee in a relaxed and welcoming setting.
You don’t need to make an appointment – simply come along, say hello and have a chat. We value your feedback and look forward to hearing from you.
When: First Saturday of every month, 11am–1pm
Where: Spectator area at Birtley Community Pool
We look forward to seeing you!
October Half-Term
Running from Monday 26th October to Sunday 1st November 2026.
For the full timetable, click the button below:
October Half-Term TimetableInflatable Sessions
Monday: 11am–12pm and 1pm–2pm
Wednesday: 11am–12pm and 1pm–2pm
Friday: 1pm–2pm
Saturday: 2:30pm–3:30pm
Sunday: 1:30pm–2:30pm
Slide & Lily Pad Sessions
Monday: 9am–10:30am
Tuesday: 9am–10:30am and
1pm–2:30pm
Thursday: 9am–10:30am and
1pm–2:30pm
Friday: 9am–10:30am
Saturday: 12pm–2pm
Sunday: 11am–1pm
Aqua Classes
Aquafit – Tuesday at 12pm
Aquafit – Tuesday at 7:30pm
Aquafit – Wednesday at 9:30am
AquaIntro – Thursday at 7pm
AquaSocial – Friday at 10:30am
General/Lane Swimming
Plenty of time available for general and lane swimming, please check the green sections on the timetable.
Plan your visit! Please check the pool’s latest timetable before travelling. We look forward to welcoming you for some half-term fun!
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 couple of hours a week, 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 now fundraising for solar panels, and your support can make a big difference! Donations are gratefully received via our GoFundMe page: