The Settle Stingrays swimming club were the star attraction at the pool AGM held on July 20.

Whilst club members took part in one of their regular training sessions in the pool, Stingrays chair Karen Shuttleworth told those attending the AGM in the adjacent fitSpace area of the  importance of the training facilities in preparing the Stingrays for club competitions.

She said the club was delighted to be back at the pool after a long absence caused by last year’s redevelopment work. The return renewed the historic link between the pool and the club.  The Stingrays aim was to give young swimmers the opportunity to develop their skills to the point where they could take part in swimming competitions against other clubs across the country.

Tashina Ward, the interim pool manager,  was the other main speaker at the AGM. She spoke of the new facilities available in the fitSpace area. These  range from spin classes, using static cycles, to children’s play sessions with a range of soft play equipment.

In the formal part of the meeting Colin Coleman was re-elected as chair of trustees.  Ian Orton is to continue as secretary and Rosie Sanderson as treasurer.

Colin said that this was the first time that it had been possible to hold the AGM at the pool, thanks to the major development that had been completed last year. Rosie spoke of the financial pressures on the pool resulting from increasing energy costs and rising insurance premiums. This had necessitated the price increases that had to be introduced from May. On the positive side the new solar panels were helping keep costs down and, most crucially the income from the charity shop made a major contribution to keeping the pool afloat. Thanks were due to all the volunteers who put in so much time to supporting the pool.