As most of you know, Penzance’s celebrated art deco Jubilee Pool re-opened in 2016 following a £3M restoration. The pool suffered horrendous damage during the winter storms of 2014 – its changing rooms and terraces were destroyed and the pool closed, some feared for good.
But thanks to support from the Coastal Communities Fund, as well as local government and community groups, the pool officially re-opened in July, with great fanfare and with Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall in attendance.
One of the local fundraising initiatives was spearheaded by Angie Butler, a Penzance resident who is passionate about the Jubilee Pool. Through her project, titled ‘Sandy Gusset’, she raised money and awareness by displaying hand-knitted vintage swimsuits at the Pool. Apparently, Prince Charles was very impressed with them last summer!
Some of the vintage hand-knitted swimsuits on display last summer at the Jubilee Pool.
Even though the Pool is now operational again, Sandy Gusset is still going strong. Angie’s next target is to find anyone with a knitting machine (and the inclination), and to get some men’s swimsuits knitted in Cornish colours.
If you have a knitting machine and are interested in helping with the Sandy Gusset project, contact Angie on www.westcountrygiants.co.uk.