Stroud MP Simon Opher certainly made a splash as the community came together to celebrate the reopening of the town’s much-loved outdoor pool.
While most visitors were content to enjoy the sunshine and take a dip in their swimming costumes, Mr Opher opted for a rather more unusual approach.
The MP kept his suit firmly on before taking the plunge and jumping straight into the pool.
And while most people arrived ready for a traditional swim, the MP had other ideas — jumping into the water fully clothed.
The unusual plunge came as the community celebrated the reopening of Stratford Park Lido following months of uncertainty over its future.
The lido had faced closure after Stroud District Council announced that it would not open for the 2026 season, with the authority citing the need for major refurbishment and the potential cost of a long-term renovation running into millions of pounds.
Swipe through Simon Pizzey’s gallery of photos from the opening
The decision sparked a strong campaign to save the pool, with residents, campaigners and politicians calling for it to reopen.
A petition attracted more than 1,000 signatures, while campaigners held meetings and events highlighting the importance of the facility to the community.
Following the pressure, councillors backed a plan to find a way to reopen the lido for the 2026 season.
An extraordinary meeting of the council subsequently approved additional funding, with around £476,000 ultimately committed to enable the pool to reopen.
The pool was then prepared for the new season, with work taking place ahead of the much-anticipated return of swimmers.
The reopening has been welcomed by residents who have long regarded Stratford Park Lido as an important part of Stroud’s community life.
And for Mr Opher, there was clearly only one way to mark the occasion.
Rather than simply cutting a ribbon or posing for a photograph, the MP took the plunge — suit, shirt and all.
His soaking wet suit was testament to just how committed he was to celebrating the return of the pool.
Built in 1937 at a cost of £20,000, Stratford Park Lido originally used natural spring water heated by a boiler which was later melted down for the war effort.
Support free-to-view independent journalism with a pay-what-you-feel donation — click HERE
