Storm battered Shoalstone needs your support

15th March, 2018

A crowdfunding project is underway to raise £20,000 to repair Shoalstone Sea Water Pool after it was recently, severely damaged during Storm Emma.

The combined force of a spring tide, the Beast from the East and high winds from Storm Emma battered the community-owned seawater lido, tearing down railings, taking huge chunks of concrete and smashing a waterside kiosk. The volunteer team, Friends of Shoalstone, set up a JustGiving page after it was clear the insurance company wouldn’t cover the damage. The lido has been a part of the community for over ninety years and with its sea-adjacent location, lived through similar storms, but not as bad as this. The pool is entirely run by volunteers and so it will be down to this team to repair and reopen for the summer season.

Just over a week into crowdfunding half the target had been raised, but more is needed as well as skilled volunteers to help with the work and clear-up. Local builders, carpenters, metalworkers and tradespeople are being sought to volunteer time to help with the specialist skilled worked required, helping make the donations received go as far as possible.

“Shoalstone is a pocket sized piece of saltwater perfection. It will cradle you from the wilds of the ocean, while still putting some wilderness in your soul,” says Emma Pusill, author of the Lido Guide. “This pool is all about the blues, from the turquoise of the water, the midnight blue geometry of the hard surfaces that surround it, to the sea and sky beyond. And it’s free! What more could you want?”

If you would like to volunteer your labour skills contact Charlie: charlesggorton@gmail.com or 07966172679. To donate visit the JustGiving page. To see Shoalstone in all its glory visit: https://vimeo.com/198590167