Twickenham Lido remembered (From Richmond and Twickenham Times)

Twickenham Lido remembered

10:00am Monday 13th August 2012 in News By Rachel Bishop

More than 1,000 people attended Dear Lido, a series of workshops and performances inspired by stories and memories of the former Twickenham Lido site.

The week of activities, part of Richmond’s Summer Festival, culminated in packed site-specific theatrical performances created by choreographer Rosie Whitney-Fish.

There was also a series of workshops over the weekend that included activities such as make-up sessions, bunting making and creating foam ice cream cones and vintage hair.

Richmond Council’s cabinet member for community, business and culture, Councillor Pamela Fleming, said: “Dear Lido was a spectacular success. Bunting, tea parties and theatrical antics brought Twickenham Lido back to its former glory. As well as showcasing local history, the event made theatre and performance fun for everyone.”

Lidos were originally built as an inner city oasis providing entertainment, fitness and escape. There are currently 300 functioning Lidos in the UK, but more than 700 disused.

Rosie Whitney- Fish, choreographer of Dear Lido, said: “When I first visited a Lido it presented a natural theatre - the swimmers, the bathers, the life-guards and cafe attendants, it was full of life and bursting with theatricality.

“I was inspired by this and knew I could create theatrical spectacles related to each Lido and its community.”