Retail expert and broadcaster Mary Portas was in Stroud on Wednesday morning to judge the Save Our Lido window displays in shops and businesses around the town pledging their support for the future of Stratford Park Outdoor Pool.
Accompanied by Save Our Lido campaigner, Adam Horovitz, Ms Portas began her tour at Borderless Books in London Road, visiting 12 businesses around the town including Party on Up, Sound Records, Fourteen Lifestyle, and Made in Stroud.
“This morning I’ve been out and about in Stroud town centre looking at the great window displays that different retailers have put in for the campaign, Save Our Lido, and they’ve been extraordinary – and what a mix and a pleasure to be doing this,” said Ms Portas.
Clare Honeyfield, owner of Made in Stroud in Kendrick Street, told Stroud Times: “I had the idea to start the window campaign because I wanted the local authorities to see the strength of feeling in the community about saving the lido outdoor pool.
“Having Mary here today means the world to us, having the support of someone who is all about community, the high street, and what we can do when we all work together for good.”
The displays will remain in place until April 30th, the date of a full council meeting to discuss the future of Stratford Park Outdoor Pool. The theme for the windows trail is 1930s pool vibes, summer fun, spring water and family picnics. It reflects the rich history of the listed outdoor pool, built in 1937.
Ms Portas praised their creativity and attention to detail: “This hasn’t been easy and I’ve just been overwhelmed by the creativity and the joy that people have put into windows. That was a terribly impressive run of windows,” she said.
The joint winners were Fourteen Lifestyle in Kendrick Street and Elver Studio in Nelson Street. The Crown and Sceptre received a special commendation as it was the creativity of locals Jo and Ian, who designed the window for the pub, that helped spark the idea for the window trail.
Stroud district councillors voted by a majority not to open the lido this summer having been offered only one solution for a long-term major remodel of the site and none for essential works. Campaigners are of the view that no one yet has enough information about what is needed to open the lido safely this year.
Pictures and video by Matt Bigwood
