Lido Lovers

 How can a phone screen help bring more swimmers, volunteers and supporters to a community lido? In this episode of Lido Lovers, Celia is joined by Brightlingsea Lido lifeguard and social media expert Ollie to explore how Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and podcasting can turn everyday poolside moments into powerful community stories. From the Human Fruit Machine’s 5 million TikTok views to behind-the-scenes volunteering, fundraising and heritage storytelling, discover what makes people stop, watch, share—and take action. Listen now and join the conversation! 

Hashtags: #LidoLovers #BrightlingseaLido #CommunityLido #OutdoorSwimming #LidoLife #SwimLocal #CommunitySpirit #LifeguardStories #VolunteerPowered #HeritageSwimming #SocialMediaForGood #PodcastEpisode #EssexCoast #VisitBrightlingsea #HappySwimming 

Take 20 minutes, feel inspired and maybe ... take the plunge.

This week we’re celebrating the people who give the lido its heartbeat: our swimmers. From early morning rituals and chilly starts to friendship, resilience and community spirit, we’re diving into why regular swimmers matter so much — not just to the pool, but to the whole life of the lido.

I’ll be joined by two of our early morning regulars Lisa and Karen to talk about what gets them through the gate before most of us have had our first cup of tea, what keeps them coming back, and what the lido means to them.

Expect cold water, warm hearts, familiar faces, and plenty of lido love.

Listen now and celebrate the swimmers who make the lido more than a pool.

#LidoLovers #LidoLife #OutdoorSwimming #ColdWaterSwimming #EarlyMorningSwim #SwimCommunity #LidoLove #SwimmingCommunity #OpenAirSwimming

Take 20 minutes, feel inspired and maybe ... take the plunge.

The Lifeguard Olympics came to Brightlingsea Lido — and it was every bit as dramatic, competitive and chaotic as you’d hope. Join guest host Will as the Blues celebrate victory, the Reds plot their comeback, and both teams show why lifeguarding is about so much more than strong swimming. Listen now for teamwork, tactics, water confidence and plenty of laughs. 

#LidoLovers #BrightlingseaLido #LifeguardOlympics #WaterSafety #Lifeguards #OutdoorSwimming #LidoLife #Teamwork #HappySwimming 

Take 20 minutes, feel inspired and maybe ... take the plunge.

in this episode of Lido Lovers which has a  health and wellbeing flavour, I  explore the benefits of aquacise at Brightlingsea Lido. I look at how water-based exercise can support joints, mobility, confidence, strength, mood and social connection before chatting with Julie Wheeler, the Lido’s brilliant aquacise and Lido Little Dippers teacher, about what happens in a class and how beginners can get started.  Aquacise is really good fun so I am hoping after hearing this some of you will give it a go!

#BrightlingseaLido #Aquacise #WaterExercise #LidoLife #HealthAndWellbeing #EssexLido #MoveInWater #CommunityWellbeing #HappySwimming

Take 20 minutes, feel inspired and maybe ... take the plunge.

In this episode of Lido Lovers we shine the spotlight on Cafe Lido, the Brightlingsea Lido's much loved cafe.  More than a place to grab a coffee, it's a warm, friendly hub that brings swimmers, volunteers, dog walkers, families and locals together.

We explore the unique role cafes play in lido culture, how they support the core business and why they are essential to visitor experience.  There will be a chat with Niamh and Rosie two members of the cafe team about life behind the counter, the busiest moments, favourite orders and why Cafe Lido is so much more than somewhere to grab a coffee.  From swimmers warming up after a dip to dog walkers, families and familiar local faces, this episode celebrates the community and comfort and friendships served up alongside every bacon roll and brew.

Take 20 minutes, feel inspired and maybe ... take the plunge.

This week we head poolside at Brightlingsea Lido to find out what lifeguarding really involves beyond the whistle and suncream.  With two much-loved senior lifeguards, we talk vigilance, teamwork, public myths, near-chaos and the unique joy of keeping one of Brightlingsea's best-loved places safe.  This episode is warm, witty and very local.

Take 20 minutes, feel inspired and maybe ... take the plunge.

Brightlingsea Lido runs on sunshine and community spirit and an unstoppable team of volunteer fundraisers.  In this episode we explore why volunteer fundraising is one of the most powerful forces behind community-run places like our Lido.  From national stats to local impact, we look at how volunteer-led fundraising keeps prices low, boosts wellbeing, strengthens community spirit and helps the lido grow year after year.  We are joined by two brilliantly committed members of the Fundraising Committe for a lively, funny and heart-warming chat about this year's summer party fundraiser, the Lido's legendary quizzes, new events and of course the Human Fruit Machine - the only place where adults willingly pretend to be fruit for a good cause!  If you love the lido, love a laugh or want to know what really keeps this place a float, this episode is for you.  Come for the stories, stay for the community spirit - and maybe get inspired to join in.

Take 20 minutes, feel inspired and maybe ... take the plunge.

In this episode of Lido Lovers, we dive into the surprising, science-backed benefits of volunteering - including the fact that it can actually help you live longer.  We're joined by Kerry Linden, an Olympic and Paralympic Games Maker who has travelled the world volunteering and now brings her energy, expertise and heart to Brightlingsea Lido.  Kerry shares what keeps her coming back, the unexpected doors volunteering has opened, and why giving your time might be one of the most powerful wellbeing tools you'll ever discover.

Take 20 minutes, feel inspired and maybe ... take the plunge.

In Part 2 - things look up.  When the Lido faced closure, the community stepped forward.  Volunteers, campaigners, swimmers, families - all united to bring the pool back to life.  This is the story of how Brightlingsea saved its Lido, rebuilt it and created the thriving and happy hub we know today.

Take 20 minutes, feel inspired and maybe ... take the plunge.

This espisode starts back in 1932 when the Brightlingsea Lido first opened its gates.  From golden summers to years of decline, this is the story of how a much-loved pool came dangerously close to disappearing.  It's a tale of changing times, community spirit and the moment everything nearly slipped away

Take 20 minutes, feel inspired and maybe ... take the plunge.