See the above video showing our 3 DJ Double Inflatable sessions running on Monday 4th May 2026.
Click the button below for the full timetable:
May Bank Holiday TimetableBirtley Community Pool, Durham Rd, Birtley,
Chester-le-Street, DH3 2PA
Spring has arrived, and we’re excited to welcome you to a fun-filled Easter at the pool! Whether you’re looking to keep the kids active during the holidays or enjoy a relaxing swim, we’ve got something for everyone. Our Easter programme will include inflatable sessions, slide sessions, family-friendly swims, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the water for general and lane swimming. It’s the perfect way to stay active and spend quality time together over the Easter holidays!
Download the full newsletter here:
April 2026 Newsletter
Rebecca is a valued member of our trustee board and provides guidance on health and safety. Her input helps ensure that we maintain high standards across the facility, keeping both customers and staff safe.
Mehek has recently joined us as a shadow trustee from Newcastle University. She brings fresh ideas and supports our social media and marketing efforts, helping us better connect with the community.
Our team is at the heart of everything we do. From ensuring safety in the water to keeping the building clean and welcoming, every member plays an important role in delivering a positive experience for our community. Our Leisure Attendants rotate between lifeguarding, cleaning, and front desk duties. This means they are always ready to support customers, maintain safety in and around the pool, and ensure the facility stays clean and well-presented.
We’re looking for people to join our team! If you’re passionate about the community and want to make a difference, we’d love to hear from you. We are hiring for the following roles:
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:
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!
Thank you to everyone who took the time to complete our recent customer survey, we really appreciate your feedback! We received 81 responses, and we’re pleased to share that our overall satisfaction score was 8.9 out of 10.
Download the full report here:
Annual Customer Survey Report 2026 – Birtley Community PoolWe’re proud to see such positive feedback across many areas:
Thank you, it means a lot to our team to hear this!
Your feedback also highlighted some areas we’re focusing on:
We’re already reviewing these areas and working on improvements.
Our Trustees and management team are creating an action plan based on your feedback. We’ll keep you updated on changes and improvements over the coming months.
Based on your feedback, we’ve already made, or are working towards, a number of improvements:
– A smaller inflatable run for younger children
– More music to improve atmosphere
– Float vests available to purchase
– Reduced queues and smoother session flow
We’ve also applied for funding to support the AquaSocial programme which will improve accessibility to the pool for older people.
We have already been successful in one of our funding applications and are waiting to hear from the remaining fund that we have applied for.
We’ve made significant progress in reducing energy use since reopening:
Gas Usage Reduction (Total: 47.5%)
Electricity Reduction (Total: 48.4%)
We were delighted to welcome our local MP, the Hon Sharon Hodgson, to Birtley Community Pool recently for a tour of our facilities. During the visit, Sharon had the chance to meet our team, see our activities in action, and hear more about the work we are doing to support health and wellbeing in the community.
She was particularly impressed by the dedication of our staff and volunteers, as well as the range of activities available for all ages, from swimming lessons and family fun sessions to fitness and social activities.
It was a great opportunity to showcase the positive impact the pool has on the local residents, and we look forward to continuing our work to keep the community active, water confident and connected.
We’ll be running a special Easter timetable across the bank holiday weekend:
Opening times:
Inflatable (including slide) times
Slide only sessions
AquaSocial session running as normal on Easter Monday.
Closed on Easter Sunday 5th April.
Slide & Lily Pads (Mini inflatable run in Improver Pool)
Double Inflatable (with slide)
Slide Only
For more information on public swimming and Aquafit classes, check the timetable below!
Double Inflatable (with slide)
Slide & Lily Pads
Slide Only
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
Birtley Community Pool, Durham Rd, Birtley,
Chester-le-Street, DH3 2PA
February 2026 Newsletter
Issue 23
Download Full Newsletter Here
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.
Running from Monday 23rd February to Sunday 1st March
February Half-Term TimetableWhat’s new?
General public and lane swimming is available during February half-term during the following times:
All Aqua classes will run as normal during the February Half-Term:
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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:
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!
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.
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.
During our Christmas closure, the team worked hard behind the scenes to ensure the pool was clean, and ready for 2026!
We focused on:
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
Choose a lane that matches your speed.
To help keep everyone safe and happy, please remember:
Birtley Community Pool, Durham Rd, Birtley,
Chester-le-Street, DH3 2PA
After feedback, we have reviewed the supervision requirements for our sessions and have decided to introduce updated adult to child ratios to improve safety and session management.
The new adult to child supervision ratios are as follows:
Children 8+ who can swim 25 metres do not need supervision. For children 8+ who struggle to swim 25 metres, we would recommend adult supervision.
These changes are being introduced to ensure younger children receive appropriate supervision and to help maintain a safe environment for all participants.
To give families adequate notice, the new ratios will take effect from Monday 16th February.
We understand that this may require some adjustment and we thank you for your cooperation. Our priority is, and always will be, the safety and enjoyment of everyone using our facilities.
For more information you can ask at reception or view the Swim England guidelines here – Swim England Guidelines
Birtley Community Pool, Durham Rd, Birtley,
Chester-le-Street, DH3 2PA
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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:
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!
“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.”
Since reopening as Birtley Community Pool in September 2024, we’ve been blown away by your support online.
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.
“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.”
Download the full timetable below:
Jan-Feb 2026 TimetableIf you prefer a calmer, more relaxed swim, we offer a range of gentle swimming sessions:
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.
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.
This class is ideal for those looking to improve fitness in a fun, low-impact way!
“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
To help maintain a positive relationship with our neighbours, please:
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
Birtley Community Pool, Durham Rd, Birtley,
Chester-le-Street, DH3 2PA
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:
A great way for families to celebrate the season with a splash!
Christmas Opening Hours
December 23rd Timetable
23rd December 2025 Half-Day BCP Timetable
January 2026 Timetable
January-February 2026 BCP 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:
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:
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:
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!
(plus early shift payments)
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:
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
Birtley Community Pool, Durham Rd, Birtley,
Chester-le-Street, DH3 2PA