Last year I was first in. In fact,
first in ever. Probably some of the men who built it have had a
splash about, but I was first ‘official swim’ in the lido. I was
nervous, to tell the truth. Not about giving the speech to dedicate
the pool and declare it open. Not even about everyone watching me
swim. No, I’m a competent swimmer, if not gifted.
But I’ve never stripped off my
mayoral robes in front of six thousand before.
Pride in accomplishing a goal I so
passionately believed in helped me through. You know, one hundred
and twenty local men without work took part in building it. One
hundred and twenty men with a reason to get up in the morning. With
something to feel proud of, like I did of them.
Since last year it’s been gala
dinners and celebrations every week. The mayor is invited everywhere
and one can’t really refuse, unless there is a double booking or
some ethical reason. So I’ve eaten more puddings than usual and
put on a little weight around the middle.
When the Guildford Lido opens this
year, I shall be wearing a swimming costume two sizes bigger.
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