Swimmers Guide: Queens Leisure Centre, Derby
This pool is in middle of Central Derby. It has a very nice Art-Deco competition pool and a leisure pool.
The pool itself is a 6 lane 25m pool and there is seating on both sides of the pool, and both spectators and swimmers can sit here. It has an Art Deco ceiling (very nice for backstrokers). The depth is from around 9ft deep end to 3ft shallow and blocks are housed in the deep end.
The changing rooms are single sex and lockers are £1 refundable.
There is a small Cafe/Restaurant which serves good hot/cold food which is reasonably priced.
There is NO parking at the pool, but there is a multi-story close by which can work out very expensive for a whole day unless, as in 2008, the council made it a free car park for the Christmas period. I would suggest calling/emailing the organisers a few days before meet to find out what the situation is.
Etwall Eagles Masters Open Meet
The Etwall Eagles Masters Open is a very friendly meet and every swimmer is made to feel welcome.
The event is run over two sessions going from morning to afternoon. The morning warm up is split men's/women's sessions and the afternoon unisex.
I can't remember if this is run as a "cards event"
It has all strokes from 25m - 100m plus IM. The 25m events allow for first timers to get a feel of competition and is a great feature. But in saying that the competition standard is good. You wouldn't expect anything less?
Swim down pool - No, but there are poolside showers.
This event feels like a season ender, but with those all important decathlon points available a definite consideration. The meet is usually held around the first week of December so if your swimming widow accompanies you might suggest a shopping trip to alleviate their boredom!
Positives
- One of the friendliest events on the calendar.
- 25m events for first timers.
- Lovely Art Deco pool.
Negatives
- No swim down Facilities.
- Could be costly to Park.