Kingfisher Leisure Centre — Local services in Babergh

I went to Kingfisher swimming pool for the second time today. I was very impressed when I went last Wednesday morning as I am recovering from a serious spinal operation in February and have worked out a plan with my physio to incorporate some swimming exercises to improve my core strength and flexibility in my legs. Anyone who is familiar with the pool will know that they have a large shallow area which joins the main pool. This is perfect for me as I can walk in the shallow water unaided by my walking stick, hold onto the sides of the pool and do leg exercises and swim along next to the lane rope of the slow lane without getting in anybody’s way. I’m in my seventieth year now and during from an early age and through my teen years swam at a competitive level to a very high standard so I am a very competent swimmer. This has been a game changer for me and decided to put this into my regular Wednesday morning routine. Sadly today was totally different. After five minutes I was told by the pool attendants that I had to go into the lane and when I explain my situation and exercise programme to them they insisted that I wasn’t allowed to walk in the shallow water and I will have to do my leg exercises in the slow lane. I tried to explain that this will be an inconvenience to the other swimmers and they then recommended that I come to the casual swim sessions. There are only three of these a week and only one disability session, none of which are suitable for me as it’s almost a 40 mile round trip from my house. I went into the slow lane but decided to get out after only five minutes as I felt I was impeding the other swimmers. I cannot for the life of me understand why doing a simple swim without bothering anybody, showing consideration to others and helping myself with recovery in a safe and practical way has caused the swimming pool staff to react in the way they have-it’s pitiful! I would have given them 1 star but decided to add another due to the lovely, clean sauna and whirlpool facility which is adjacent...

Visited today for the first time. Went to the float and fun session. First impressions was how clean the changing room was. I really liked the shoes off policy to enter the changing area and think it really makes a huge difference to its cleanliness. I think I spotted 4 big family changing areas but standard cubicles are OK for a parent and child or parent and 2 under 10s. The session itself was very busy but the lifeguards were very on it. The wave machine was on when we got in, it would have been great to have it go again perhaps in the middle and just before the end of the session too. Half way through the flumes were on but only for 20mins, I guess this was for lifeguarding. My little ones loved the little flume for under 10s but we did not go on the big one. It was for ages 6+ it it fairly big, twists lots and apparently brings you out with speed, I was unable to travel with my 6year old and didn't feel it was suitable to send her on her own. Never mind, the session was loved by all. To wash, we used the showers in the ladies toilets, had lots of pressure and stayed on for a good few minibus (rather then the 30second push button exercise you find at most leisure centres). On the way out I noticed the cafe was clean and had kallo rice cakes (allergy free snacks for us). We also knocked on the closed soft play door to look at it. We were happily welcomed in by the lady cleaning it and it looks fantastic. Goes up what looks like 3/4 levels and lots to do. We will...

I have tried to bring my toddler for swimming a few times since Abbeycroft have taken over Kingfisher's. I checked the timetable and website the night before, only to arrive and be confronted by a sign saying the pool was closed all weekend for a private gala. It is a 40 minute drive for us, therefore we were not pleased to find this. Is it really necessary to have the pool closed for the whole weekend, for a private function? We have had a similar experience with other Abbeycroft leisure centres; we feel they put profit above the needs of the community. Whilst, we were discussing how to make this a non-wasted journey, multiple families arrived, only to be likewise suprised, by not being able to take their children for a swim on their day off. We used to come on a Monday or Friday morning. However, Abbeycroft have changed the timetable, so there are more private lessons and the toddler fun swim is now 2-4pm, pretty much my toddlers nap time. We thought at least we would be able to go into the soft play, only to find this had been changed into a gym. We were told the play area was being refurbished and would be opening in the spring. Great timing; given its peak use is in winter. You are letting down families Abbeycroft. More interested in making profit from members and private functions....