Dear Subscriber,

Over the past month, we have been overwhelmed by the support many of you have given us, particularly those in the creative industries. Scroll down to find out about Matthew Croft and the creativity he’s bringing to the Pools in a new branding project. We also have an update on construction progress and fundraising from our Chair Paul Simons alongside a competition for our younger supporters!

Our people

This month, we’d like to introduce Matthew Croft, a talented new volunteer who’s helping us with our new branding strategy.

When we asked Matthew why he’s decided to volunteer with us, this is what he said:

“Until recently I had no idea that the Cleveland Pools even existed. After 15 years living in London, I moved back to Bath with my young family early in 2019. Having read up on the Pools and learnt of how the site has been closed for so long, I was keen to get involved with the project.

Now I’m helping out with the branding. We’re trying to build on what we have, and capture the ‘spirit’ of the Pools, before creating an identity that tells its rich story. I can’t wait to take my son when it opens. It’s a special place.

I have more than 12 years’ experience in the design industry, working with clients such as UEFA, Jamie Oliver and the International Olympic Committee, at leading agencies including Lambie-Nairn and DesignStudio. I graduated from Central St. Martins with an MA in Visual Communication.”

Volunteering

A ‘positive consequence’ of Covid

In the last few months our volunteers have continued working on a virtual basis. Here’s just a few of their amazing achievements:

• display boards sharing the history of the Pools
• a walking trail to the site
• short films sharing some stories from the Pool’s past
• a new social media team
• systems to evaluate the impact of what we do
• plans to celebrate the start of restoration work this autumn
• a new student placement programme
• a new volunteer registration system and welcome pack
• a new branding style for the pools

We want to say a huge thank you to all you amazing volunteers. During lockdown we’ve been astounded by just how many of you have given up your own time to help keep the project on track.

Many of our new volunteers work in creative sectors that have been hard hit by Covid. As a consequence the Project has been blessed with an incredible level of professional input on a voluntary basis from copywriters to graphic designers, film-makers to festival organisers.

Some of our volunteers have reported what an enjoyable and positive experience they have found it, giving them a sense of community and the satisfaction of helping to keep the Pools project on track. We’re lucky to have you, and we’re also delighted that some good has come of this incredibly challenging period for everyone.

Calling creative children!

We have an opportunity for local children to create a tile design as part of our underwater timeline in the kids’ pool. If you know a school-aged child who would like to enter our competition please email jo@clevelandpools.org.uk and she will send you the brief. Be quick though, the deadline for entries is Wednesday 26th August!

Chair’s update

“The last few months have seen momentous changes for us all and many heritage projects have found themselves in difficulties. I’m pleased to report that Cleveland Pools has continued to make great progress, with the staff team driving the project forward. Their exceptional commitment in these difficult times has been acknowledged by the National Lottery Heritage Fund who have also commented on the continuing and impressive volunteer input. Some delay to our programme is inevitable, due to members of the design team and consultants being furloughed and the contractor facing difficulties in securing fully-priced packages from subcontractors and specialists.”

“Nevertheless we are making good progress and, subject to funding negotiations over the next couple of months and applications for emergency support, we are confident of keeping the project on track for an autumn start on site. I would personally like to thank the Trustees, the project staff of Anna, Sam and Jo, and the many volunteers for their exceptional levels of support and continued belief in this wonderful project.”

Stay safe, and do please stay in touch.