REVISED Covid restrictions were greeted with a splash in Wiveliscombe on Monday with an early morning dip in the dark for the first swimmers at the town’s outdoor pool.

The 96-year-old heated pool opened for business at 7am, but a group of 15 trustees met up an hour before at 6am to enjoy the water, as a special treat for those who work behind the scenes.

“It was lovely, we were all so pleased – but it was very dark, we’d forgotten the clocks would be changed,” said new chairperson Liz Hurry. “The water was 27 degrees, though, so it was no problem.”

The outdoor pool, which has been extensively modernised over the years, is run by volunteers, and swimmers of all ages are being encouraged to book up and come and enjoy the water, now that the season is open.

“We took a hit last year as we could not open for long,” said Liz. “Wivey Pool is a hidden gem and we need to raise money, so it would be great if people come along to enjoy it, and also watch out for fundraising activities that will be coming up.”

Because of the pandemic, sessions must be booked on the website in advance, with either family swims available or sessions with lane markers for 21 people at a time, accommodating fast, medium and slow swimmers.

Liz gave a heartfelt thank-you to all the volunteers who helped get the pool ready for this season. “We put the call out in the week we knew the pool could open, and about 50 people gave up their time, cleaned the surrounds, painted the fence, did everything,” she said. “We had to socially distance but it was absolutely wonderful how the community pulled together.”

The pool was not eligible for Covid-19 government support, and with yearly running costs of £45,000, and ongoing equipment costs, organisers say it is a continual struggle to keep it operational and complying with ever-changing regulations.