Friends of Guildford Lido » GBC

New operator announced

janetta — Sat, 18 Jun 2011 07:36:46 +0000

Details of the GBC decision on the new operator can be found here:

http://www.guildford.gov.uk/article/8404/New-operator-for-sports-and-leisure-facilities?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

Plan to host events at the Lido moves forward

janetta — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 16:15:59 +0000

One of the ways that FOGL have suggested the Lido could be better used and made available for the wider community is to act as a uniquely interesting venue for concerts, plays, films and other events. With such a vibrant Arts scene in Guildford, we’re pleased to see that in future, the Lido might be able to play a bigger role in hosting things.

Lido Manager, Russell has applied for permission to stage events with a proposal to hire the Lido out for private functions that could involve live music, plays, films and dance events. The Spectrum car park would be used for large events and consultants would be brought in to control the volume of noise coming from the site.

The leader of Guildford Borough Council, Councillor Tony Rooth, said: “We would like the lido to be used as much as possible throughout the year and to improve the choices available for privately-run events and functions”.

Many of the surviving Lidos around the country use their venues for hosting such events, both for community benefit and fundraising. This is a promising step in the right direction for seeing the Lido flourish in the future.

More info can be found on the link below:

http://www.getsurrey.co.uk/news/s/2075608_bid_to_stage_latenight_events_at_guildford_lido

Have you told us what you think?

janetta — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 16:30:58 +0000

This time next year, as you may or may not be aware, the Lido will be run under a new contractor. We want to play our part in making this change a positive one for the Lido and we’ve been invited to contribute FOGLs ideas on service levels.

We’ve heard from many members over the past year following our re-establishment but if you’ve yet to get in touch to tell us what you’d like to see, or haven’t yet signed up as a FOGL member (membership is entirely FREE), please do so NOW!

Email us at friends@guildfordlido.com to become a member, or share your thoughts.

By joining us, you show your support for what we know is a fantastic facility that is loved by many, one we want to help to make even more fab! We will send you regular newsletters and keep you up to date with developments and news over the coming months.

Corporate Improvement Scrutiny Committee Meeting

janetta — Sat, 01 May 2010 07:17:56 +0000

Following the meeting of the GBC Executive which gave the go-ahead for Stage Two of the outsourcing procurement process, at the Scrutiny Committee meeting held the following week on 29 April, FOGL Jim Boucher requested that greater involvement of bodies such as the FOGL should be part of the Tendering Process. Recognising that the process required a high degree of confidentiality he requested that the tender documents should contain a list of partner organisations – eg Guildford City SC and major users of the Spectrum, as well as the FOGL.

Jim drew on his personal experience of being a member of the South London Swimming Club (SLSC) and mentioned that out-sourcing could bring real benefits to the Lido, as Tooting Bec Lido is run by an effective combination of Wandsworth Council, DC Leisure and SLSC. There are difficulties from time to time but the tripartite arrangement works well and required hard work – something FOGL is not averse to if needed. Jim urged GBC to request consultation by bidders with FOGL and to ensure that in the service level agreement, formal, periodic consultation was built-in to any subsequent contract.

Procedural concerns were aired and the Scrutiny Committee were predominantly unhappy with the way in which the decision had gone to Exec before Scrutiny. There was a concern that local trusts were being excluded as a “spin” on the consultants’ report. However it was stressed that “established” trusts were acceptable. ”Unestablished” ie formed specifically for Spectrum/Lido/Ash were not welcome as they would not have any track record nor financial security to offer. The Committee asked to be briefed as the process unfolded so that they could make inputs at key stages.

The next stage moves to creation of the tendering documents. This will be led by Leisure Services Management and published in the OJEC (Offical Journal of the EC). The expectation is that tender responses will enable up to six tenderers to be shortlisted and engaged in a process of competitive dialogue with GBC to ensure the bids fully cover the specifications and service levels. The assessment is best value, not lowest cost. “Value” incorporates an assessment of service level.

Stage Two Go-Ahead

janetta — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 16:23:39 +0000

At the Exectuive meeting held last night, it was agreed that the Council will now move to stage two of the procurement process and invite tenders for the Leisure Services, including the Lido. Jim Boucher spoke on behalf of FOGL to emphasise that as the process continues, FOGL look forward to having full involvment and are prepared and indeed wish to assist in any way that is possible. Further Jim stressed that FOGL wish to see the standards set at a high level for the Lido in the tendering process. Councillor Patrick expressed his view that he remains “extremely keen to see the three excellent sites preserved, particularly the Lido” in his closing remarks. This was followed by Councillor Rooth’s assurance that FOGL’s views will be taken fully into account throughout the continuing process.

GBC Executive meeting 22nd April

janetta — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 11:39:42 +0000

FOGL have been informed that GBC’s Executive will discuss Stage One of the procurement process and give the go-ahead for the next stage of the process that is ongoing to find the most cost-effective future management for council leisure services, which includes the Lido this Thursday (22^nd April).

It is expected that the formal tender process for future management options will follow the meeting on Thursday. Details of the agenda for the Executive meeting can be found: http://www.guildford.gov.uk/NR/rdonlyres/8826FCBF-B0DB-473D-A663-9231837011A4/0/Item4SpectrumAshManorandLidoFutureManagementOptions.pdf.

FOGL representatives will attend the meeting and welcome all interested parties to join them to participate in the democratic process of deciding the future management of the Lido

Meeting held with Spectrum Leisure Services

janetta — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 14:37:23 +0000

FOGL representatives attended their first meeting with Claire Davenport, Jim Miles and Councillor Terence Patrick last Tuesday. There was much positive discussion and we were able to present interim findings from the survey. A full report of the meeting and our next steps will be posted here shortly.

BBC Breakfast Show Monday morning to cover early closure

janetta — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 16:35:46 +0000

Jim Boucher, FOGL’s PR man (there is also a FOGL PR woman all in the name of Equal Ops) will be appearing on BBC Surrey’s Breakfast Show Monday morning shortly after 9 o’clock to discuss the early end to the Lido season this year and how FOGL are striving to be heard by those who hold the decision making reigns at Spectrum Leisure Services.

Let’s end the season with a bang not a whimper

janetta — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 18:53:28 +0000

This season is set to end on Sunday 6th September – at least a week earlier than last year. We’ve requested that this is reconsidered and have submitted a formal proposal to the Management.

In the meantime, let’s show our support for the Lido in the last swimmable days of the season by packing in as much swimming as we can ourselves, and persuade our friends, families, colleagues and neighbours to get along to the Lido for one last fling, oops swim, this year in the final weeks of opening.

End of season closure date

janetta — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 16:56:09 +0000

Bad news for any of us wanting to swim in our lovely Lido through September – closing date for the season is the weekend of 5th-6th September.

So far as we are aware, this is the earliest closing for many years – if not ever. Let us know your thoughts by posting a comment here, or by emailing us and we’ll be sure to pass on the views of FOGL members to the Lido management. That’s what we’re here for.