Newspaper Article 1985 – Even churches are taking to the water

Pool pulls ‘em in

Even churches are taking to the water

Sports Corner

Ask Havelock North indoor pool owner John Beaumont what business is like and he will tell you everyone is taking to the water – even the churches.

Life at the John Beaumont Swimming Centre has become increasingly hectic, with the centre being used for such things as religious baptisms and physiotherapy, as well as the normal keep-fit and coaching groups.

“There’s been a big change here over the last year years.  We are still into coaching but there are a lot more activities,” says Mr Beaumont.

“An adult swimming group for the middle aged has increased by about 1000 per cent.  Most of the group’s day is occupied with lap swimming according to their programme the swimmers make up themselves.”

Mr Beaumont added a carpeted lounge, with chairs and a television set to the centre 18 months ago so that, after their swim, people can relax.

Mr Beaumont says the baptisms usually take place late on a Saturday afternoon or on a Sunday.

“I don’t take any part in them – just hire out the pool and its facilities to the groups.”

Mr Beaumont coaches young swimmers for competition and is one of the guiding lights behind the Trojan Swimming Club.

The competitive swimmers have training sessions between 3.30pm and 7pm and a morning session starting at 5.30am.

Mr Beaumont also holds physiotherapy clinics for men and women from all walks of sport.

“Doctors refer them to me and they attend clinics here at the centre.

And, as if there is not enough activity, there are also learn-to-swim clinics for pre-school children from 14 months of age.

Two of the regular “lappers” at the John Beaumont Pool are Mrs Beryl Begley, 60, Hastings and Mrs Elfreda Farrier, Havelock North.

Mrs Begley is shown chatting with John Beaumont.  She bikes from Hastings to work out at the pool.  She manages 16 lengths in a session but aims to get up to 22.

Mrs Farrier has been swimming for five months and is doing 64 lengths at each session.  She is hoping to increase that.

Arthritis has been bothering her but she finds swimming has helped a lot.