Swimmers at Hitchin Lido are enjoying newly refurbished changing rooms thanks to a generous bequest left by a much-loved regular whose legacy will benefit visitors for years to come.

The upgraded facilities were officially unveiled on Saturday, 30 May, during a special gathering attended by friends and fellow swimmers of Hazel Diane Jacobs, who passed away in April 2024.

The refurbishment has delivered new changing cubicles, lockers, sinks, mirrors and tiled flooring, providing a fresh new look for one of Hitchin's most treasured community facilities.

Hazel moved to nearby Ickleford in 2016 and quickly became a familiar face at the Lido. Friends described her as intelligent, loyal, kind and fun-loving, with a passion for outdoor swimming that made the facility a central part of her life.

A food technology graduate who worked as a dairy buyer and supermarket strategy consultant, Hazel was also an enthusiastic walker, gardener, birdwatcher and member of the Settlement Players amateur dramatics group in Letchworth Garden City.

Her friends said the community she found at Hitchin Lido became a source of encouragement and enjoyment, with members of her swimming group regularly taking on the challenge of completing a mile swim each summer.

The Lido's influence extended beyond the pool itself. Hazel enjoyed visiting outdoor swimming pools across southern England and filled her home with artwork celebrating swimmers and lidos.

Speaking at the unveiling, Hazel's friend Brenda Santimano said: "Hitchin Lido had a measurable positive effect on Hazel's life, and I am sure on the lives of many local residents who use this fantastic facility regularly each summer season.

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"Hazel's bequest was made with precisely that community spirit in mind, intended for the benefit of everyone who enjoys this fantastic swimming facility and who value this very special place as much as she did."

Paul Francis, General Manager at Hitchin Lido, said the improvements had transformed the visitor experience.

"We are truly grateful to Hazel for this wonderful gift to the Lido," he said.

"The refurbishment has transformed the facilities for our visitors, with new lockers, improved changing rooms and a much fresher environment for everyone to enjoy.

"It's a fitting and lasting tribute to someone who clearly loved it here so much, and we hope every swimmer who visits feels the benefit."

A dedication plaque has been installed outside the changing rooms and reads: "A cherished friend and regular visitor to Hitchin Lido, Hazel loved this special place. May her spirit continue to inspire joy for all who visit."

Another of Hazel's friends, Penny Nelson, said she would have been delighted with the finished result.

"On behalf of all of Hazel's friends, we are certain she would be absolutely delighted with the improvements," she said.

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"Hazel's selfless bequest has left a lasting legacy for the enjoyment of others. The amount given for this specific refurbishment was made with the knowledge that she would never benefit herself. She was very special."

North Herts Council's Executive Member for Leisure, Cllr Amy Allen, praised Hazel's generosity.

"It's wonderful to see these improvements completed and already being enjoyed by swimmers," she said.

"By choosing to invest in its future, she's created a legacy that will be enjoyed by generations of swimmers."

First opened in 1938, Hitchin Lido remains one of the town's most popular summer attractions. The refurbished changing rooms are now open to visitors throughout the current season and beyond.