Chateau Reve pool: “It wouldn’t leave my head and I decided to find a way for it to reopen”

Thursday 30 June 2022

An unused pool at Chateau Reve has been re-opened after several organisations undertook a “labour of love”.

Chateau Reve is an extra care housing facility for people with severe and profound learning disabilities. At the moment five people live there.

The pool had been left unused for a number of years until a member of the Adult Disability Service decided to do something about it.

“When I first saw it, I asked why it wasn’t in use and was told that it needed upgrading to be safe for the service users,” said Administration Officer, Teena Gordon.

“It wouldn’t leave my head and I decided to find a way for it to reopen. It has taken longer than I hoped because of Covid but we are now days away from it being ready to use. It has been a real labour of love.”

Pictured: Residents of Chateau Reve will now be able to enjoy a fully renovated pool.

Ms Gordon contacted the Guernsey Community Foundation and Ravenscroft for support. 

“The support has been amazing and it wouldn’t have been possible without so many people,” she said. 

“The Guernsey Community Foundation and Ravenscroft were incredibly generous and then we have had support from many other people. The service users are really excited to be finally getting into the water.”

Additional support was provided by Pool Care & Services, Only Fools and Donkeys, Stan Brouard, BTS, Kings, St Pierre Park, Beau Sejour and The Institute.

Both the Guernsey Community Foundation (GCF) and Ravenscroft have commented on the refurb.

“This is a fantastic example of the public and private sectors coming together for the benefit of others. The Guernsey Community Foundation is delighted to have been involved,” said Chief Executive of the GCF, Jim Roberts.

“So many of them have given up their own time to make this happen. Guernsey is very fortunate to have people, business and organisations who are willing to make a difference. We hope the service users at Chateau Reve have a fantastic summer using the pool,” concluded the Managing Director of Ravenscroft, Mark Bousfield.