THE audience got more than they bargained for at the official opening of WiveyPool’s new pool house.

Celebrations got underway with a special pool party for supporters, volunteers, donors and friends at the Wiveliscombe pool to thank them for their help bringing the project to life.

But it was the team of lifeguards - the WiveyPool Blue Belles - who stole the show when they took to the water for a spectacular artistic swimming performance.

Secretly rehearsing for two months under the direction of Victoria Stewart, the team wowed the audience with a choreographed routine featuring synchronised movements, back tuck, somersaults, dolphin dives and a dramatic finale lift of Jon - complete in one-piece costume to match his female team mates’ attire.

Lifeguards - including Jon - lined up in the traditional WiveyPool blue costumes for their performance.
Lifeguards - including Jon - lined up in the traditional WiveyPool blue costumes for their performance. (PHOTO: WiveyPool)

The team debuted the new WiveyPool centenary swim hats matching the new lifeguard uniform designed by Simon Parkin from Ethical Graphic Design, with the new centenary logo incorporating a candle flame, to celebrate the pool's 100th birthday.

A lively and highly topical quiz hosted by trustee Gerry Simpson centred on swimming, water and WiveyPool, with the winners receiving a copy of his book celebrating the pool's 100-year history.

The WiveyPool Blue Belles wowed the audience with the choreographed synchronised swimming routine.
The WiveyPool Blue Belles wowed the audience with the choreographed synchronised swimming routine. (PHOTO: WiveyPool)

Trustee Hamish McCarthy spoke about The Big Swim project sharing how young participants recently completed a relay swim across the Bristol Channel to raise awareness of pollution, demonstrating how swimming can be a powerful platform for environmental action.

Chair of Trustees, Liz Hurry thanked everyone who had played a part in making the pool house a reality and recognising the dedication of the many volunteers, staff and supporters who work tirelessly to make WiveyPool a safe, welcoming and enjoyable place for the whole community.

She said: “It was the perfect ending to an evening that celebrated not only a remarkable new building, but also the community spirit, fun and dedication that have kept WiveyPool at the heart of Wiveliscombe for almost 100 years.”