THE nationally-feted Lido Ladies visited Petersfield Open Pool to tip their toes, and more, in the water early last Friday morning.
The retro glamorous duo arrived in their Smart car at 7.45am ready to swim in cozzies, appliqué flower hats, sparkly costume jewellery, sunglasses, and lashings of red lippy.
Jessica Walker and Nicola Foster are two 50-something ladies who love to swim outdoors and are touring the UK’s open air pools and lidos – they were hotfooting it to Hilsea Lido from Petersfield,
Oozing with positivity, frivolity and eccentricity, they want to encourage everyone, no matter what age, size or ability, to enjoy a swim for their physical and mental well-being.
Nicola said: “These are community pools with a great sense of ‘community’ – and as well as great fun, swimming is good for body and soul.”
Petersfield pool was opened in May 1962 by Sir David Eccles, the-then minister for education, at a cost of £13,000.
And the ladies enthusiastically admit they have great fun recreating 1950s glamour with props from that noughties phenomenon, Poundland.
They want us to rediscover the delights of the fun and culture, and art deco architecture, of our lidos, at a time when travel and income are compromised for many.
Their passion for outdoor swimming has seen them grace the covers of The Guardian and The Times, feature on ITV and BBC News, BBC Radio London, and even appear in both The Telegraph Photographer’s Pictures of the Year, and BBC UK: Year in Pictures 2020.
Jessica added: “We have a passion for life, lidos, swimming and having fun.
“We want to inspire others to reap the benefits of a quiet moment in a busy world – you’ll be surprised what you discover as you experience the joy of British waters!”