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Community-led Bramley Baths has announced a year-long programme of events to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the facilities becoming independent.
As previously reported, historic Bramley Baths will celebrate 10 years as a community enterprise by reintroducing its popular New Year’s Day Dip.
A group of campaigners took on running Bramley Baths from cash-strapped Leeds City Council on New Year’s Day 2013 when the facility was threatened by budget cuts. The new era was marked by a ‘dip’ in the pool, which saw dozens of people don fancy dress and all jump into the pool at the same time.
You can book to join Bramley Baths at its New Year’s Day Dip for £3 a person by calling 0113 2560949. Dips will be run at 10.30am, 11.15am and 12pm.
“We wanted to mark the tenth anniversary of the Baths being taken over from the council and and being run by the community and bringing back this popular event was the first thing we wanted to do,” said duty manager Jennie Willetts.
There will also be an open day on January 24, which will include a free afternoon open session in the pool, with a special offer of taking up free membership until February. There will also be sessions in the recently refurbished gym and taster classes in the studio – keep your eyes peeled for more information.
In April there are plans for a John Battle Shield swimming gala, named after the former Leeds West MP who chaired the Baths until last year, and in May there will be a Friends of Bramley Baths event.
There are also early plans for a summer solstice swim through the night, celebrating Heritage Open Days and a possible tenth anniversary gala dinner, as well as a festive event. There are also plans to improve the community gardens at the side of the Baths, with local schoolchildren coming up with a new design.
Baths’ chiefs are also looking to work with local businesses to help boost their employees’ mental health by encouraging them to exercise.
More details can be found on the Bramley Baths website.
