Sonning Common Pool has been an important local resource for nearly fifty years. Our conservative estimate is that at least 5,000 children have learned to swim in the pool – over 2,700 from the school, and the same number again from the surrounding community. Alongside this, in the last five years alone, more than 40 local people have volunteered, trained or worked at the pool.

But in the summer of 2025 we had a problem and reached out to the local community and to sports groups for help to refurbish the pool and the changing rooms.  We were overwhelmed with your response and, with the additional support of local businesses and national bodies, we have raised nearly £60,000.  This has enabled us to completely upgrade the pool itself, re-decorate the pool area and will allow us to upgrade the changing areas in the coming weeks.

To raise this funding in a short time is a phenomenal achievement – thank you so much for your part in it. We feel the success of the campaign indicates the need for this community resource, and perhaps even the love many people have for it and the memories it stirs – of all those swimming lessons and the fun and progress that went with them.

Sport England (who generously matched your crowdfunder donations of £14 200)

Sonning Common Parish Council

The Shanly Foundation

The Pye Trust

Thames Water

Widmore Park

TG Gym

Harmony choir

Active Oxfordshire

Chiltern Edge Community Association

Henley Lions Club