January 2026
Happy New Year from the Birtley Community Pool Trustees
As we dive into a brand-new year, we want to thank every swimmer, supporter, volunteer, and member of staff who helped make 2025 such a success. Your continued support means everything to our community pool, and we’re excited for what’s ahead.
We’ve welcomed your feedback and made some updates on the timetable for you to explore. Here’s what’s coming up this January!
Download the full newsletter below:
January 2026 Newsletter
Meet The Team
Trustee – Graham Fuery
You may have spotted Graham around the building, often with tools in hand! With years of experience in pool management and caretaking, his knowledge and dedication help us keep the pool operating smoothly behind the scenes.
Trustee – Sue Alexander
A recent addition to our trustee board, Sue is deeply committed to both the pool and the wider community. Before becoming a trustee, she supported us as the minutes secretary, and she continues to bring organisation, care, and enthusiasm to everything she does.
Leisure Attendant / Acting Lead Leisure Attendant – Zoe
Zoe is a dedicated and hardworking member of the team who frequently steps up as a Lead. She has taken the responsibility in her stride and does an excellent job supporting colleagues and customers alike.
Leisure Attendant / Acting Lead Leisure Attendant – Jake
Jake has been a great support to the team, regularly stepping up as Lead when needed. He approaches the responsibility with a positive attitude, helping to keep poolside running safely and efficiently.
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!
Customer Feedback
Member Statement 1
“I have attended the Birtley Baths since they opened in 1972. Thank goodness they have now opened as the Birtley Community Pool.
As an 86 year old I still manage 20 lengths of the pool, albeit with a new style all of my own. Before leaving the pool I enjoy total relaxation floating vertically in the deep end, enjoying the sounds of excitement and mischief coming from the adjacent kid’s pool.
My old GP always made a point of saying to his older patients, that regular visits to the baths, if possible, was the best medicine available in Birtley. I now know very much what he meant and totally agree.”
Our Google Reviews ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Since reopening as Birtley Community Pool in September 2024, we’ve been blown away by your support online.
- 49 Google reviews (Sept 2024 – Dec 2025)
- 46 x 5-star reviews
- 3 x 4-star reviews
- Average rating: 4.94 out of 5
Your reviews help more people discover the pool and support our future funding and sustainability. Thank you for taking the time to leave such positive feedback.
Member Statement 2
“I used to attend the Birtley Pool when it was run by the Council and when I took on my membership I paid a certain fee which I cannot remember what it was but when I reached the age of 60 the fee went down to £19 per month, when Birtley Pool closed I drove from Birtley to Blaydon which was not a short distance, then the crunch came when Birtley Community Pool was about to open I had to make a decision did I stay with Blaydon baths at a cheaper rate or move back to Birtley to support the Community. My heart was telling me I needed to Support Birtley and signed up for the monthly membership and have been coming ever since.
It is a pleasure to attend I love the friendliness of all the staff, they are aways willing to help me as I it seems a strange remark to make but I do not swim I come to exercise in the pool and need the assistance of dumbbells and a woggle which the staff get for me often before I ask now.
I don’t have the best of health both mentally and physically and find coming to be pool a tremendous benefit in every way possible. A chat at reception either on my way in or on my way out. When I spoke to Lewis (Senior Operations Manager) once he thanked me for staying at the Community Pool
I thought that was a lovely thing to say. These staff may be the only ones some people see at the pool in a day and I hope like me they appreciate and feel the benefit of such a caring and friendly team of staff.”
Timetable Updates
Download the full timetable below:
Jan-Feb 2026 TimetableGentle Swimming Options
If you prefer a calmer, more relaxed swim, we offer a range of gentle swimming sessions:
- AquaIntro Thursdays 7pm & AquaSocial Mondays 10:30am
- Improver pool open from 6:15am till 1pm weekdays
- Quieter times to swim are 9:30am to 12:30pm on weekdays
More Weekend Swimming Available
Good news! We’ve heard your feedback and added more public swimming on Saturday mornings, giving you extra flexibility to enjoy the pool.
Check the January timetable to see the additional availability.
Family Photography Sessions
We’ll soon be offering family photography sessions at the pool once a month. It’s a great way to capture special family memories! More details, dates, and booking information coming soon – keep an eye on our website and social media.
New Aquafit Class
- When: Tuesdays at 7:15pm
- Where: Improver Pool
- Instructor: Jamie Colligan
This class is ideal for those looking to improve fitness in a fun, low-impact way!
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!
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
Address
Birtley Community Pool, Durham Rd, Birtley,
Chester-le-Street, DH3 2PA
