About Us
The establishment of a swimming pool within Formby had long been an aspiration of a number of local residents; and as long ago as the 1970s, a fundraising campaign was created to realise that aspiration.
However, with high inflation at the time the fund was never able to make a realistic impact and the campaign was finally wound down after a couple of years. The money raised however was ringfenced in the hope of a future opportunity to resurrect the campaign.
That opportunity finally arrived in 2000, when a benefactor came forward with both land and finances to create a leisure centre. At around the same time, Sefton M.B.C. put the Formby Council offices on the market, and the sale realised a substantial sum, 50% of which was put to the project. That sum together with the generosity of our benefactor, and a revitalised public fundraising campaign, provided the funding necessary to realise the dream.
In January 2007, the doors to the new Formby Pool finally opened, and the centre has now achieved the aim of becoming the heart of the community.
THE TRUST
Many years ago in the history of Formby a group of local residents decided to join together to fund raise for a much needed swimming pool for the local area.
Alan Roberts and his wife Ann were among that group, with Alan taking the lead as the Fundraising committee developed and began raising funding.
Tombola’s, raffles, penny in the bottles, donations, sponsored swims, bicycle rides and many more events – all contributed towards the beginning of the huge amount needed.
With high inflation at the time, the fund was never able to make a realistic impact and the campaign was put on hold after a couple of years. The money raised however was ring
fenced in the hope of a future opportunity to restart the campaign.
That opportunity finally arrived in 2000, when a benefactor came forward with both land and finances to create a leisure centre. At around that time Sefton M.B.C. put the Formby Council Offices on the market. The sale realised a substantial sum, 50% of which was put to this project. That sum together with the generosity of our benefactor, and a revitalised public fundraising campaign, provided the funding necessary to realise the dream.
On 27th January 2007 the doors to the new Formby Pool finally opened and the centre has now achieved the aim of becoming the heart of the community.
Many hours of careful planning and debate finally culminated in the creation of Formby Pool Trust Ltd. A company limited by guarantee with charitable status was registered and a board of directors appointed. The organisation operates on a non profit distributing basis.
The board of directors reflects the partnership involved in the creation of the facility, and includes nominees from Sefton M.B.C. and the Formby Land Trust. However the majority of the board are recruited from the community of Formby, and identify the true nature of the trust’ a company created for the benefit of the residents of Formby, run by the community.
The board of directors meet Bi-monthly, and are responsible for the strategy planning, and financial management of the facility.
Many years on Formby Pool has found its place as the heart of Formby community. Standing within landscaped gardens, an award winning design, the building houses a 25-metre main swimming pool, and a 12-metre teaching/toddler pool. The relaxing café area gives the opportunity for light refreshments. And the recently opened Studio now further enhances the well being/gym facilities.
Formby Pool Trust has achieved its original aims and indeed is moving forward with enthusiasm, so much so that it is now looking forward towards further development of the centre. From the early days when Alan Roberts and a group of Formby residents met to discuss the possibility of a pool for Formby, to today when it has become the focus for people to enjoy many differing activities. Or, a place to meet, chat with existing or new friends. It is now truly the Heart of our Community.
