The charity responsible for the running of Settle Pool now has new officers. Ian Orton, who had been secretary since the pool became a Charitable Incorporated Organisation in 2017, stepped down at the annual meeting on July 17, as did Rosie Sanderson, who had been treasurer throughout that period.

In praising the contribution that the two had made to the work of the pool,  joint chair Chris Hirst said: “Whilst the great changes that have taken place in recent years have been very much a collective effort, it is fair to say that we would not have been able to achieve what we have done without the efforts of our secretary, Ian Orton, and treasurer, Rosie Sanderson. We wish them well for the future and are pleased that both of them are to continue to work as volunteers in our fund-raising shops.”

Mike Smith, formerly joint chair with Chris Hirst, is to be the new secretary and Ken Larkins the new treasurer. Chris Hirst, remains as sole chair and Ian Dryburgh will continue as vice chair. Jean Littlewood was confirmed as a trustee as was Robin Bates. Robert Bellfield will also join the trustees. The remaining board members are Anne Galloway and Elaine Howarth.

Centre Manager Tash Ward told the AGM (see photo) that the past year, which saw the pool celebrate its fiftieth anniversary had been a successful one, with increased use of the fitSpace facility, the creation of the new gym and increase in pool usage. She also praised the support given by users to the staff and the friendly atmosphere they helped to create.

Out going treasurer Rosie Sanderson, said that whilst finances were now in a much better position than a year ago there remained a need to pay off the loans that had helped finance the redevelopment. Doing so would take a number of years. The charity shops continued to thrive and were essential to the pool’s continued existence and these relied on the contribution of more than 40 volunteers.

The meeting began with a tribute and period of reflection in memory of Carole Hill, a dedicated shop volunteer who had died sudden just two weeks earlier.