At the Pond: Swimming at the Hampstead Ladies' Pond

I loved this book. I swim at our local pond daily from May thru September. I am jealous their pond is open all year round. One story in particular captured the magic I also feel in my pond but I loved them all. I purchased several more to give to my Pond Friends.

A really unusual collection of short reminiscences of a swimming pond in the midst of busy London. Stories from life you never dreamed existed.

I enjoyed the first couple of stories but very repetitious. Would be interesting to hear a bit more about the history or something a bit more mixed takes.

Not a book by Margaret Drabble. She is just one of 14 authors who contributed an essay to this collection.

Quite possibly one of the loveliest books I have read this year. A series of 14 essays written by women including Margaret Drabble and Esther Freud, among others, about the Kenwood Ladies’ Bathing Pond, not quite a secret, yet not widely known. Tucked away on the Hampstead Heath, the pond is surrounded by tall grass and wildflowers, and while it sounds positively dreamy, it is not known for having luxurious changing accommodations. Of course not. That is not why people flock to this gem of a locale. It’s all about the pond. The water is said to be therapeutic, which is why swimmers come year-round, yes, even in frigid temps. This mystical setting seems to have jumped right out of a fairy tale. This is Margaret Drabble’s AT THE POND: SWIMMING AT THE HAMPSTEAD LADIES’ POND.Prepare to be enchanted. Each essay in the book is a dip into the serene waters in the midst of London, where some never-before swimmers and now dedicated swimmers, only women allowed, ages eight and up, come every day of the week, from before sunrise to sunset, with bathing suits and some without, to soothe their souls, become invigorated by the water, some in regular groups, others in solitude, and some meet fellow bathers who become pals.Not only is the pond itself fascinating, but the rituals of getting in and out of the water, the seasonal swimmers versus the die-hard year-rounders, the blend of youth and elderly, the changing room etiquette, the volunteer lifeguards, the no cell phone policy, and how devotees swear it’s so much better than all of the other ponds. An anachronism, perhaps, that has caught on with so many and is somehow able to remain a haven where the rules are respected without question.AT THE POND is delightful. The essays read as if straight from your most trustworthy friends who want you to visit a beloved place. A bit other-worldly, where grass grows tall, the trickle of water seems to dance in the background, kindness abounds, and there isn’t the slightest urge to check your phone.A photograph of the pond isn’t necessary. The essays will provide you with all that you need to conjure the scene in your mind.

Bought for a friend who loves it

Lovely collection of stories about a much loved swimming pool. Helps when you understand the attraction of swimming outside through winter. Don’t know if I could manage an English winter, Sydney is testing enough however really enjoyed these ladies lovely accounts. Great writing.

I read the first essay in an online promotional article for this book and I absolutely fell in love with it. There’s essays based around each season and they’re all beautifully written and really captivating. Each essay is relatively short so it’s perfect reading for commuting or simply just wanting to read a little bit at a time without having to come back mid-story.Loved it so much I bought one for my best friend too, I’ve read through it twice and it’s envoked the same feelings each time round.Highly highly recommend this book.

Entertaining. Perhaps have read al galvarez book. I thoroughly enjoyed it, but various friends didn’t!

I ordered this on a whim and it was better than I thought. Some great writing and ideas. I didn't know there are creatures in the pond. ew.