2025 Annual General Meeting
Look how far we’ve come! Ilkley Pool and Lido Community Group highlights a year of progress and plans for the future at group AGM
Pool and Lido group members gathered to hear updates from committee members as the volunteering community’s first year of partnership with Bradford District Council draws to a close. The annual general meeting featured details on volunteering, events, finances and strategic plans for 2026 and beyond.
Group Chair Becky Malby was first to address the crowd at Ilkley Lawn Tennis Club. She took time to reflect on where we were a year ago with the facilities under threat of closure, and highlight some of the successes of the past 12 months, with hearty praise for the community group’s events volunteers. Key moments included the incredible Lido 90th birthday event, the sell-out Full Moon Swim events that the group runs, and the community group picnic to celebrate and connect group members.
She said: “The Full Moon Swims are a real showcase for the Pool and Lido with 70 percent of visitors travelling from out of the area to attend them. This year we were delighted to welcome people from all over the country including Birmingham, the Wirral and even Kent. There are national groups coming to visit and take a dip in one of the most beautiful pools in the country.
“We must celebrate the successful partnerships and events from this year while also looking forward to how these relationships can evolve to be even more productive.”
Particular thanks also went to the group’s gardening team for their efforts in maintaining the planters and helping with the grounds at the beautiful Lido site.
Gathered members also heard updates on the finances of the community group from Treasurer Phil Joyner, including details of money raised from events and the introduction of a nominal annual membership fee. He outlined the group’s desire to spend some of the money in the coming year with ideas including a pool cover, inflatable and above all a community ambition to support underprivileged children and families to access the facilities.
Committee member Roger Tilbrook outlined ongoing strategic and partnership work, exploring how future capital expenditure can be focused on identified improvements such as to the cafe, pavilion and changing rooms. Discussions are underway with the asset managers to ensure these compliment wider long term strategies across the portfolio such as renewable energy and general maintenance.
The final task of the evening was to vote for the 25/26 committee with all key members standing unopposed to take the successes of the past year forward.
As the event drew to a close many visited the merchandise stall with a range of bags, badges and swimming hats on offer for people to support the cause and publicly share their love for the Pool and Lido. If you missed out at the time, why not take a look at our new Shop page (coming very soon)
You can read our Annual Report here