Kings Fitness and Leisure Cheddar

If I'm completely honest, I was expecting a community pool in a shed. I was pleasantly surprised! A colleague swims here regularly and recommended it.

I've had my eye on the timetable for a while - never managed to make the 6:30am session work with my schedule - but this evening there was an hour-long lane swim at 9pm - and it's right after a club training session, so hopefully there will be individual lanes - none of the double-lane nonsense I keep seeing lately!

Paid my £10 - £6.50 for the swim and a refundable £3.50 deposit for a locker wristband - and headed through to the brilliantly different changing rooms - two way walk-through cubicles. I always respect the no-shoes policy and dutifully took mine off at the door. I only wish I'd remember this after my swim too, instead of putting my shoes back on while still in the cubicle!

The club session was just finishing up, so I stood on the side sizing up the other swimmers. Looked like a few lads pepping up their triathlon training - one of them was even in a full triathlon suit!

There weren't any direction or lane speed boards, so I had a quick chat with one of the guys and headed to the “fast side”. It was two to a lane, and I joined someone who was keen to split rather than circle - ideal. Hopefully no one else would join.

Planned a 3.2km plod. Immediately noticed the slight salinity in the water - and the warmer-than-perfect temperature. I hope the guy in the tri-suit brought some water; he's going to be sweating.

I couldn't see a clock - which is how I usually gauge longer sessions - but after what felt like ages, the other lanes emptied until it was just me and one other guy left in the pool. Did my usual deal with myself: another 100m, then I'll check the watch. Really surprised to see I was only at 2.1km! Another 1.1km to go then. Couldn't believe only 30 minutes had passed! Finished up the swim and headed to the showers. Was sure the pace was going to be on or sub-1:30 - again surprised to see it was 1:34! Must be not being used to evening swims.

The lady on reception was very apologetic - she'd already cashed up when I returned the £3.50 locker wristband - so I'll have to keep it for next time!

I'm on my way down to Glastonbury - staying in a Premier Inn, not the festival (unfortunately). But hopefully I'll add another new pool to the list tomorrow. One day, hopefully, I'll manage to get a swim at the famous Millfield School 50m pool, which is just a few miles down the road from here.

I'm (almost!) on track for one new pool a week in 2025 - only a couple behind. Spurred on this week by a text from a swim friend whose kid swam in the Fairfax School (my secondary school) gala last week. He sent me a photo of the gala booklet showing the records - I still have three from the mid-1990s! Had a joyous few moments of shameful pride before realising they were set in the old 33.3m pool, so I doubt they can be beaten!