Group steps up efforts ot save Lido
A GROUP trying to save the Lido is stepping up its bid to protect the popular pool – by becoming a charity.
The Hilsea Lido Pool for the People wants to apply for grants and funding to keep the facility running year-on-year.
But it can only do this by raising the required 5,000 to become a registered charity.
To help reach that milestone volunteers are holding several fund-raising events, which has included a special meal at Italian restaurant The Pizza House in Hilsea.
About 80 people turned up for a slap-up 19.95 five-course dinner with 10 per head going straight to the lido fund.
Chairwoman of the group, Jane Smith, said: 'We never expected so many people to turn up. These events attract people that might not come to our meetings as they are more formal.
'We are pleased with any profit that we make and are very grateful to The Pizza House for putting this on for us.'
General manager Christian Mascia, 27, helped organise the event – even posting flyers though doors to drum up support.
He said: 'I have always used the lido so it is very close to my heart – I can even remember 20 years ago going there with my grandmother as a boy.'
The future of the lido is in doubt.
This summer is scheduled to be the last opening of the pool, unless the group can drum up enough cash to keep it going.
Group member Janice Burkinshaw said: 'This is an ambitious project and at the moment we are discussing taking over the lido with the council.
'We need to make sure it is all done the right way.'
Tory Hilsea Cllr Alistair Thompson, who attended the charity meal, said: 'The event just shows the strength of feeling that the people have for the lido – people across the city who are cheering on the lido. This is community action.'
The group will be holding a sponsored walk with the Havant Lions club on May 18.
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Weather for Portsmouth
Friday 25 May 2012
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Temperature: 13 C to 25 C
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