MP Anthony backs Mermaids' pool campaign

Four of the Brixham Mermaids turned up on a mizzly day at Shoalstone outdoor pool to meet with their MP, Anthony Mangnall, alongside Dave Thomas, the pool manager.
The girls created their naked calendar after seeing the Women's Institute film, Calendar Girls, choosing local beauty spots for their individual artistic photos photographed by Trevor Taylor.

The meeting with Anthony Mangnall, was intended to raise the profile of the pool which is in need of substantive donations to maintain it for future generations. Shoalstone began as a rocky area scooped from the sea and is one of the few outdoor lido’s still functioning. Every year there is concern that it will be swept away by north easterly tides that attack the far end of the pool.

Mr Mangnall was very supportive of the Mermaids fund-raising project buying a calendar and inviting Dave Thomas to visit Westminster to meet the culture secretary. The Mermaids also expressed a wish to encourage more people to swim whatever the weather, whatever time of year, because ‘it helps your mental health’. To prove the point, Jane Rudge and Jenny Harriman had a swim in the rain after Mr Mangnall departed.

The 2024 calendar is on sale at Shoalstone pool, the Breakwater Bistro, Brixham Town Hall and various shops throughout the town, priced £7.95.