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I had been looking forward to this all summer as the last time I had swum here was in the summer of 1964. I had taken Diana to Cheltenham 43 years ago when we were first married and I remembered the pool with great affection. It was not to disappoint.. On arrival I began to explain our great lido challenge to swim a mile in every UK public open-air swimming pool for Save the Children when the lady at reception said, “Yes, I know about you, welcome”. Fame at last! The pool itself had just been reopened after major refurbishment and was superb. Even the guttering had been replaced in original 1930’s style. Set in four acres of parkland, it was a magical place and extremely busy. True, the sun was out, but the pool and its surroundings were the attraction and it warmed the heart to see it all. The other bonus was that because the pool was 27 metres wide, the staff was able to put in 3 lanes for the serious swimmers so we were able to complete our mile (32 lengths) unimpeded. This has been an adventure and I can’t begin to count the miles that we have clocked up in the car but I do know that we have swum 70 miles in 70 pools all over southern England and all with their own distinct character. It has been a real honour and a privilege to meet all the men and women who keep these places going. We have 30 more lidos to swim next summer and I can’t wait to complete our journey.