Issue 344 – Harry’s Hydro open day

Harry’s Hydro Trustees held an open day on Saturday 7th January to show the progress of the new hydrotherapy pool next to Critchill School in Frome.

There was a constant stream of visitors during the day, and all were impressed by the progress and quality of the new facility.
The pool has been built by specialist pool builders Westcountry Leisure, with the timber building in ‘log cabin’ style being supplied by Norwegian Log Buildings. The building is now around 80% complete, and it is hoped that there will be a spring opening, following completion and testing of all the equipment.
The pool is fitted with the latest heating and filtration equipment and there is a separate humidity and temperature control system for the building. The design principle throughout has been to make it a warm and friendly place to use, as well as providing the best technical standards.
The car park and landscaping works are being constructed at present, courtesy of the very generous support of local quarry company Wainwrights. They are project managing the car park construction, providing much of the labour and knowhow, and they have recruited a consortium of local contractors to help get the project finished by the end of February.
Support to Harry’s Hydro is also being given by the Friends of Frome Hospital for some of the specialist equipment in the building, including hoists.
The facility will be used daily by the children of Critchill School, many of whom have special needs. For the remainder of the day, and in the evening and weekends, the facility will be open to anyone in the community who is in need of hydrotherapy treatment.
Bookings are being taken from groups who will be supervised by a trained and qualified leader. Bookings cannot be taken from individuals, but Harry’s Hydro can put people in touch with a leader so they can join a group. Anyone interested in using the hydrotherapy pool should contact Helen Woodhead on 01373 474127.
Harry’s Hydro Appeal is still in need of additional funds to ensure final completion of the fitting out works and working capital in the first year. The facility is designed to be self-funding once the initial set up is completed. Further information and how to make a donation to this community project can be found on the website www.harrys-hydro.org.
Pictured: Harry’s Hydro trustees standing in the newly-built pool at Critchill Special School, Frome. Left to right, Peter Bennett, Helen Woodhead, Tony Perry and Diana Hale.