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Harrogate Hydro renovations a long-term gain, says diving club

Harrogate District Diving Club has said the looming nine-month closure of Harrogate Hydro will be worth the short-term disruption.

The club, which has more than 50 members and helped produce Olympic champion Jack Laugher, faces the prospect of not being able to return to its home pool until next year. The Hydro is due to close for major refurbishment on April 8.

Some divers will train at other venues, including Shipley diving pool. Others will stop training altogether until the Hydro reopens. Since the announcement of the Hydro’s closure two divers have left the club.

Divers can also use Jennyfield Styan Community Centre for dry land sessions using a full size diving board. These sessions allow divers to dive off the board onto a crash mat.

Harrogate Hydro, Jennyfield Drive.

The diving boards have not been in use since November 2020 due to structural problems.

The renovation work will include new diving facilities at the same heights as before. Club chair Leanne Jalland said:

“We welcome the closure and renovations, whilst it is not ideal to be away from the pool in the short-term. The current diving facilities were at the end of their life and needed to be replaced.

“A little short-term disruption without a pool while the new diving facilities are being rebuilt is worth it because the new facilities secure the future of diving in Harrogate for a few more decades.”

Ms Jalland added the club had been preparing for a loss in funds due to the work and had secured funding from Sport England to fund hiring space at other diving venues.

She said:

“We are passionate about introducing more children in our community to diving and while the Hydro is closed that will not stop. Considering that during the start of the pandemic we only had a dozen divers left, we’ve managed to grow the club considerably during a difficult time period with limited facilities and resources.

“So imagine what we can do with our new facility. We can’t wait for next year, the future is looking bright for our club.”

The £11.8 million refurbishment will give the Hydro a new two-storey extension, entrance, cafe and reception area.

There will also be a new fitness suite and the changing areas will be upgraded.

Mark Tweedie, managing director of Brimhams Active, which Harrogate Borough Council set up last year to run its leisure facilities, said the plan was to reopen the pool first in nine months time.

Ripon’s long-awaited new pool opens its doors

Ripon’s new swimming pool and partly-refurbished leisure centre, officially opened its doors early this morning.

The reaction of the first swimmers through the door at 6.30 was unanimously positive.

Comments included, ‘superb’ ‘fabulous’ ‘absolutely great’ and ‘It’s really exciting.’

Named in honour of a history-making Olympic diving champion and local hero, who learnt to swim in Ripon’s Spa Baths at the age of 3, the Jack Laugher Leisure and Wellness Centre is designed to be a facility fit for the 21st century.

Jack Laugher MBE , is on the sign that greets swimmers and gym users when they enter the centre

The pool contains almost half a million litres of water

The centre, along with other swimming and leisure facilities across the district, is being operated on behalf of the council by Brimhams Active.

The people of Ripon have been waiting for this day – the project to build the pool ran nine months behind schedule and cost approximately £5 million more than its original £10.2 million budget.

The Changing Places toilet at the new Ripon pool

The charges for members of the public to use the new pool, have not increased from the entry fees charged at Spa Baths.

A swimming session for an adult costs £5.10 with children aged 3 to 16 paying £2.70 and complimentary entry for children under 3. The adult concession rate also remains at £3.70.

Centre operations manager Ben Cutting, was on duty with his Brimhams Active team to welcome the early-bird swimmers

Containing almost half a million litres of water, the six-lane pool can accommodate 108 swimmers at a time and leading-edge AngelEye technology has been installed as an added safety measure, should anybody get into difficulty during a swim.

Accessibility features are an integral part of the design, from the inclusion of wider doors, steps for entry at the shallow end of the pool and the provision of Changing Places toilets in both the pool and at the leisure centre.

Sophisticated equipment in the gym room The gym area

The ground floor of the centre remains closed, awaiting the remediation measures required before the whole of the building can be used, but the upper floor is equipped with an array of top-of-the-range health and fitness equipment – from treadmills to cycling machines that can link into digital media.

There is also a sauna room that can be used by swimmers and gym goers and outside, the well-equipped Dallamires Children’s Play area, which opened on Monday, is already proving popular.

Ripon leisure centre named after local Olympic hero Jack Laugher

Ripon Leisure Centre is set to become the Jack Laugher Leisure and Wellness Centre in honour of the local Olympic hero.

Jack Laugher’s family home is in Littlethorpe, near Ripon. He attended Ripon Grammar School and learned to dive with the Harrogate and District Diving Club.

He became Great Britain’s first Olympic champion in diving alongside his partner Chris Mears at the 2016 Rio Olympics. He followed it up with an individual silver to become the most successful British diver ever.

In the years that followed he achieved three gold medals at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, a bronze and silver medal in the 3m individual and synchro springboard events respectively at the 2019 World Championships in Gwangju and a bronze medal in the 3m springboard at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

The council has said the new six-lane 25 metre pool at the Jack Laugher Leisure and Wellness Centre is now set to open “early in the new year” after a number of delays due to problems in construction.

Jack Laugher said:

“I’m truly honoured that Harrogate Borough Council have named the new facility in Ripon the Jack Laugher Leisure and Wellness Centre.

“As a city I grew-up in and a district where I learned to swim and dive, I never in my wildest dreams imagined that I would have a facility named after me.

“I hope this new pool and the diving facilities in Harrogate encourage others to follow their dreams like I have.”

Councillor Stanley Lumley, Harrogate Borough Council’s cabinet member for culture, tourism and sport, and chair of the board of directors at Brimhams Active, said:

“The addition of the new swimming pool is a major development for Ripon and shows our commitment to providing modern and fit-for-purpose leisure facilities.

“Jack may not have had this opportunity if it wasn’t for his perseverance and determination, and the leisure facilities available across the Harrogate district. I am therefore delighted that we have named the new facility after him.

“The pool will open early in the new year and I hope everyone, irrespective of disability, gender, age, race, sexual orientation or religion use this fantastic new facility.”

Post-Olympics membership boom at top Harrogate diving club

Harrogate District Diving Club is gearing up to welcome 40 new divers next week after the Olympics increased interest in the sport.

One of the club’s former members, Ripon’s Jack Laugher, won bronze in the men’s individual three-metre springboard event at the Tokyo Olympics to go with the gold medal he won in Rio in 2016.

His success, along with that of other divers, such as Tom Daley, has encouraged more people to take up the sport.

The Harrogate club has helped to develop numerous elite divers over the years, most notably Laugher and Oliver Dingley.

Leanne Jalland, chair of the club, said the creation of Brimhams Active, which was set up by Harrogate Borough Council to manage leisure facilities, including the Hydro, had been a “positive step” because it had led to increased diving time in the pool.

Ms Jalland said:

“This is a positive step forward, we’re increasing the number of divers locally.

“Everyone is keeping to their promises and we’ve been able to come up with a pathway, which means diving in Harrogate is secure long-term.”

The club’s success comes even though the pool’s diving platform has been out of use since cracks were found in November last year.

The poolside scaffolding looks set to remain in place for some time as the council has yet to appoint a contractor or offer a timescale for the repair work.

In the meantime, divers are making use of the club’s two mobile one-metre diving boards. Some members have had to travel to West Yorkshire to use better diving facilities.

A council spokesperson said:

“We will be replacing the current diving platform at the Hydro due to its age and the amount of work required to fix it.

As previously confirmed we will announce timescales for the replacement once a contractor has been appointed and a programme of works has been agreed.”

‘I’m proud of Jack… it just wasn’t his day’, says mum Jackie Laugher

There was Olympic disappointment for Jack Laugher and his diving partner Daniel Goodfellow in Tokyo this morning as they finished out of the medals in seventh place.

Laugher, who was born and bred in the Ripon area, still has the opportunity of adding to the gold and silver medals he won in Rio when he competes in next week’s individual three-metre springboard event.

His mother Jackie, who watched with her husband, David, at their Littlethorpe home, told the Stray Ferret:

“From the start it didn’t look like it was going to be their day, but they are a relatively new team.

“I’m immensely proud of Jack, he’s a wonderful son, great sportsman and role model, but above all he’s a lovely person who will always call Littlethorpe his home.”

Jack Laugher (left) and Daniel Goodfellow making their opening dive

Family friend Helen Mackenzie, who was in Rio with Jackie to see Jack’s gold and silver medal performances in 2016, said:

“It is testimony to their determination and mental toughness that, following five below par dives, he and Daniel achieved their best score in the final one which, with a tariff of 3.9, is the world’s most difficult dive.

“This bodes well for next week, when Jack takes part in the individual event.”

Gemma Williams, who like Jackie and Helen is a member of Ripon City Netball Club, said:

“I love and feel pride by proxy, seeing Jack and Dan compete – not the result they would want, but still an amazing achievement.”

Leanne Jalland, chair of Harrogate District Diving Club, where Jack used to train, also spoke of its pride in the pair despite today’s outcome.

“It was a high standard competition but unfortunately it was not their day today. That’s diving as a sport for you, anything can happen and it all comes down to the dives on the day.

“That last dive showed a glimpse of what they are capable of and we are confident that both Jack and Dan have got the strength of character to come back stronger from this.”

Ripon’s Jack Laugher loses Olympic title in Tokyo

Ripon’s Olympic hero Jack Laugher has missed out on his bid to win a second successive gold in the synchronised three-metre springboard diving.

Laugher and partner Daniel Goodfellow finished seventh in this morning’s event, which was won by China.

The duo from the City of Leeds Club triumphed at the Tokyo Aquatics Centre in May at the FINA Diving World Cup. But they were unable to replicate the same form in the same pool today.

Laugher, who grew up in the Ripon area and attended Cathedral Church of England Primary and Ripon Grammar School will now focus on the men’s individual three-metre springboard event, which takes place on Monday and Tuesday next week.

Photo of Jackie Laugher (Centre) with Sylvia Grice (Left) and Helen Mackenzie

In his home village of Littlethorpe, Jack’s mother Jackie Laugher (pictured above, centre) and Sylvia Grice (left) who taught him to swim, watched in their respective front rooms, while Sylvia’s daughter Helen Mackenzie (right) who taught him at Ripon Grammar School, also tuned in at her Ripon home.

Laugher remains a Ripon hero, having become the first GB diver to win gold and silver medals at an Olympic games.

The Harrogate diving boards that helped Olympic champ Jack Laugher remain closed

Ripon’s Jack Laugher goes for gold at the Olympics tomorrow — but the diving boards at the Harrogate Hydro pool where he used to train have been out of use for eight months.

Laugher began his career with Harrogate District Diving Club, as did Oliver Dingley, who represents Ireland in the Olympic diving tomorrow.

The top club has seen an increase in the number of young people interested in taking up the sport since the Tokyo games began.

But the diving boards at the Hydro, which is owed by Harrogate Borough Council, have been out of action since November last year after cracks were found in the concrete supports.

It means local young divers who aspire to be the next Jack Laugher are having to make do with a mobile one-metre board or travel to another pool in West Yorkshire.

Families have expressed frustration at the apparent lack of urgency to resolve the matter.

Today Richard Cooper, the Conservative leader of Harrogate Borough Council, which owns the Hydro, described the situation as “concerning” and called for a report to be produced within weeks.

In an article on the Community News website run by Andrew Jones, the Conservative MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, Cllr Cooper said:

“This is very concerning and I am hoping to see a further detailed report within the next few weeks with recommendations as to how we can move forward.

“Clearly the safety of customers is paramount and the boards cannot be opened until they are made safe.”

The Stray Ferret asked the council for an update on when the boards will be repaired.

A council spokesperson said there had been no update since its previous statement this month, which said:

“Unfortunately, during a routine inspection of the diving board platform at The Hydro in Harrogate, cracks in the concrete were discovered.

“A further independent survey was carried out to establish the stability, integrity and durability of the diving structure.

“Results show that the diving platform should not be used until work has been carried out.

“We are exploring possible options and will have an update in due course.”

Don’t miss Harrogate district’s Olympians cycling, diving and playing football

Four of the Harrogate district’s own are set to compete in the Tokyo Olympics from tomorrow.

The athletes will compete in football, diving and cycling and represent Team GB and Ireland in the delayed 2020 Games.

Here is the timeline for our local Olympians’ events:

Lizzie Deignan – Team GB

Ms Deignan has a home in Harrogate and already has a silver medal from the London 2021 Olympics.

She will compete in the Women’s road cycle race – 5am (UK time) on Sunday, June 25.

Jack Laugher – Team GB

Mr Laugher, from Ripon, made history at the 2016 Games in Rio by becoming the first ever Olympic diving champion for Great Britain.

He will first compete in the Men’s synchronised 3m springboard – 7am (UK time) on Wednesday, July 28 and again in the Men’s 3m springboard semi-final – 2am (UK time) on Tuesday, August 3.

If Mr Laugher gets through, he will compete in the Men’s 3m springboard final – 7am (UK time) on Tuesday, August 3.

Oliver Dingley (left) and Jack Laugher

Oliver Dingley – Team Ireland

Fellow diver Mr Dingley grew up in Harrogate and studied at St John Fisher High School. He made the finals at the Rio games and finished in eighth place.

Men’s synchronised 3m springboard – 7am (UK time) on Wednesday, 28 July and in the Men’s 3m springboard semi-final – 2am (UK time) on Tuesday, August 3.

If Mr Dingley gets through, he will compete in the Men’s 3m springboard final – 7am (UK time) on Tuesday, August 3.

Rachel Daly – Team GB

Footballer Ms Daly, from Harrogate, will be competing in the Olympics for the first time but after racking up 36 appearances for England ,she has experience on her side.

She will join the team to compete in Women’s football, group E – 11.30am (UK time) on Saturday, July 24 and 12pm (UK time) on Tuesday, July 27.

If Team GB progress past the group stages, Ms Daly’s next appearance will be on Friday July 30 for a quarter-final match.

Portrait of Olympic gold medallist Jack Laugher inspires Ripon students

With the Tokyo games now underway, a portrait of Olympic gold medallist diver Jack Laugher is providing inspiration to Ripon Grammar School students.

The former RGS pupil became an Olympic champion alongside partner Chris Mears at Rio 2016, when the duo made history in three-metre springboard synchronised diving.

Having become, with Mears, the first GB Olympic divers to win gold, he went on to take silver in the men’s individual three-metre springboard competition.

The painting by artist and RGS parent Fiona Scott, which features Jack holding his medals from Rio, now has pride of place at the school.

The school, along with sports fans across Great Britain, will be cheering him on as he competes in Tokyo.

Photo of the portrait of Jack Laugher at Ripon Grammar School

An inspirational painting – artist Fiona Scott (right) with, from the left: RGS headmaster Jonathan Webb, Dan Brown and Eliza Polito

The synchronised event will be broadcast live on the BBC on Wednesday morning (7am UK time).

The individual event begins with the preliminary round at 7am UK time on August 2, with the semi-final and final respectively starting at 2am and 7am UK time, on 3 August.

Headmaster Jonathan Webb is thrilled to have the stunning oil painting of the Olympic gold medal winner hanging in school, particularly as it was installed just before the games. He said:

“Students and staff are all very excited and we’ll all be willing him on.”

Ms Scott, who arranged a sitting with Laugher at Leeds Aquatics Centre, said he was delighted to hear the painting was now on show at his old school.

Keen swimmer Darcy Harper was among the students who met the sporting hero when he returned to RGS to present prizes to pupils three years ago.

The 15-year-old, who has competed in national schools finals, said:

“I found it inspiring to hear his story and how far he’s come.”

Laugher, who left RGS in 2013, has also inspired Dan Brown, who has represented RGS in county swimming championships, athletics and tennis.

The 14-year-old, who is aiming for a career in sport, said:

“He has shown how it’s possible to combine a professional sporting career while managing his schoolwork, which I really admire.”

Eliza Polito, a 14-year-old swimmer and runner, added:

“I think it’s so cool to know that Jack Laugher came to this school and has gone on to achieve so much.”

Artist Ms Scott’s daughter Lily Wainwright is a Year 10 boarding student, whose two older brothers also studied at RGS.

The Laugher painting was shortlisted for the Royal Society of Portrait Painters‘ annual exhibition in London in May last year before the exhibition was cancelled due to covid.

Harrogate diving talent ready for Olympics

As the Euros finish, all eyes now turn to the Olympics in Tokyo later this month and Harrogate’s diving talent.

Jack Laugher and Oliver Dingley will be representing Team GB and Team Ireland respectively in the men’s 3m springboard and synchronised diving events.

There are also three coaches from Harrogate who will be working in Japan training other nation’s diving squads. Ady Hinchcliffe and Andy Banks coach Team Australia’s diving team.

Ady has coached eight Olympians through the events over the years. Andy is the coach who trained Tom Daley in the 2012 London Olympic when he won a bronze medal for the men’s platform event.

Read more:

Damian Ball, Jack Laugher and Oliver Dingley at the Fina Diving World Cup in May.

Damian Ball will be representing Team Ireland as he coaches Oliver Dingley during the upcoming Olympics.

In 1999 Harrogate Borough Council named Damian Ball diving development officer and head coach at The Hydro in Harrogate.

Both Jack Laugher and Oliver Dingley were coached by Damian Ball back in 2010.

Leanne Jalland, chair of the Harrogate District Diving Club, said this about the Olympian’s time training in Harrogate:

“What made Harrogate special in terms of diving talent and coaching back in the days when Damian was Head Coach and Jack and Oliver were diving at the club was a combination of hardworking talented coaches and athletes with the resources to allow them to fulfill their potential.”

The 2020 Tokyo Olympic games will start on July 23.