​The afternoon drizzle did not prevent our own improptu synchronised swimming team from displaying thier skills - and their elegant and fashionable headware.

Association AGM 2025 - Minutes 

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​The Affordable Swimming Campaign of 2023:
Concessions Survey  Shows What's Needed
​​Many swimmers who are eligible for a free morning swim in the Hampstead Heath bathing ponds don’t take advantage of that benefit because they would need to use public transport to get there and are put off by the bus and tube fares, according to the latest survey of pond users and would-be pond users. The survey also showed that many who would prefer to swim later in the day and are eligible for a 40% discount on the pond-entry fee avoid the ponds because they consider even the concessionary price to be unaffordable.
 
The three pond-users associations—HMPA, KPLA and MPA—conducted the survey in September and are using the results to lobby the City of London for three changes:

1. Extend the 7 am-to-9:30 am free swim for those under 16 years old and over 60 so they can travel to the Heath after the morning rush, when they’re eligible to ride free on buses and trains.
2. Restore concessionary charges to a 50% discount.
3. Allow concessionary charges to be paid in instalments.

We presented these findings to the City’s Hampstead Heath Sports and Wellbeing Forum and await the City's response.
 
The survey was conducted between 20 and 29 September 2023 and drew 515 responses from the approximately 1,800 members of the three pond-user associations.
 
Here is a synopsis of the results:

• 45.6% (235) of respondents were eligible for an age related free swim, of whom 59.1% (139) made use of the free swim and 40.9% (96) did not.
• Of these 96 respondents, 53.1% would be more likely to swim or swim more often if a suitable time slot were available.

Reasons cited by the 96 respondents for not using the free swim before 9.30 am (they could tick multiple options) included

• public transport costs before 9.30 am (35.4%),
• health/disability (12.5%), parking costs (8.3%) 
• caring responsibilities (4.2%). 

Those swimming later, out of preference rather than necessity, seem to number about 30, based on responses written in; some cited combined health and travel needs—for example, trying to avoid crowded public transport before 9.30 am.

• 50.3% of all respondents (259) would be eligible for a concession under the current arrangements, of whom 79.2% (205) made use of one.
• Of the 54 who did not use their potential concession, 24.1% said the concessionary price was not affordable.  11.1% did not want to share their personal data with the City and 7.4% did not want to share it with Loylap.  3.7% could not evidence their eligibility. 
• Of the 205 who pay concession prices, 64.9% said it was usually affordable. 15.6% do not swim as often, 13.2% thought the 6/12 month season ticket was too long to commit, 12.2% said the up-front price was too much, 8.3% only swim occasionally and 4.4% are assisted by family/friends.

In respect of possible additional concessions, 55.7% of all respondents thought they would be unlikely to qualify for any further concession. Concessions for those on low and irregular income were supported by 17.3%, no recourse to public funds by 6%, carer by 5.6%, under 18 NEET by 2.5% and care leaver under 25 years by 2.5%.  Additional possibilities written in included keyworker/NHS/charity employees and those on statutory maternity pay or unpaid maternity leave.

The MPA AGM was held on 24th October 2019 and thanks go to member Rodney for providing the perfect pondside location for the 15 or so attendees present. Full meeting minutes can be reviewed by clicking the button below.

Apart from a general review of the year's activities our formal association Constitution was agreed and signed off and can be downloaded and reviewed on via the link below.

One topic that came up doing something to commemorate the writer, intellectual  and Mixed Pond regular, Al Alvarez,  who died on September 23rd aged 90.  He was an important figure in literary London as you can see from the many obituaries of him such as this one from The Guardian. 

Our discussion turned out to be especially appropriate because at the end of our meeting two of Al's granddaughters arrived where we were meeting because they happened to have been invited to dinner.  They were thrilled to hear about the plans for him to be commemorated at the pond and we hope to have more news in time for next season (which starts early May).

Membership renewal notices will be sent to mailing list members in April/May next year.  

​Until then, keep warm!

A protracted legal case was required to persuade the City to agree to the club and there is always a danger that the license might be withdrawn if the conditions are not respected. The club has been running fairly smoothly for over ten years with a gradual rise in membership but last winter there was a sharp increase in  people joining which was unfortunately accompanied by an increase in problems.

On many occasions the gates were left unlocked both when people were in the water and after they had left and it was  evident that some members were giving out the secret lock code to other people. These  issues are serious not only because major breaches in the  agreement with the City could lead to  the license being refused in future but also because they are a very real safety issue for members if gates are left open.
   
As a result the HHWSC discussed at its AGM proposals to limit membership. The meeting decided not to do so this winter but to try to address the problems in other ways and reconsider the question next year. So, we would like to urge any of you who are winter Mixed Pond swimmers to be careful about signing in and locking the gates and to challenge anyone you may see breaking these rules or inviting in non-members.  Locking the gates is, of course, essential but signing is also useful and not just a bureaucratic rule because it helps members to see when they can be reasonably sure of company, it provides evidence for the numbers using the club and it provides a record in case of  any event that needs investigation.  ​

There are many places around London where it is possible to swim in natural waters and combining such swims with a good walk makes for a great day out. The book Wild Swimming Walks  provides some examples and for anyone seeking companions it’s worth knowing there is a Facebook group Swim Walks where you can see walks and also short swimming holidays that you can join.  Most are arranged by Philip Nice who set up the group but other people can and sometimes do use the group to arrange walks.  

​Philip’s walks are very varied and those of us who have been on them can thoroughly recommend them.  You do not need to  go with anyone as everyone is very welcoming to newcomers.