Studiously avoiding anywhere where farm animals might roam, due to the current crisis, it was perhaps ironic that I chose the Horsemarket in Darlington for my latest outing.

This delightful square in the centre of Darlington - although home to a regular market - has presumably not seen a horse sale in recent years, so I reckoned we were quite safe. This being a Saturday, there was a market taking place, but the main reason I and two of my children were visiting was to go for a plunge in the Dolphin Centre pool.

All three of us like the Dolphin Centre for a swim although, over the years, we have made use of most of the sports and leisure facilities that the centre offers. Today we had planned to have a splash, some lunch, then do a bit of shopping - taking advantage of the handy location of the centre, smack bang in the middle of town.

As usual, there was advance planning to do but, on this occasion, I was guilty of a complacency - which threatened to scupper things.

On ringing Shopmobility, (which has four parking spaces and a facility for hiring aids such as wheelchairs and other means of support), I discovered that most organised people had twigged that Saturdays are usually busy, and had placed their reservations in advance. Being the fifth person to call, and at the last minute, I was out of luck. Anyway, the spaces under the Town Hall canopy are reserved primarily for those using the system, I was informed. They told me that this is a relatively private place where Shopmobility staff can transfer people, who are non-ambulant, from their cars to their hired vehicle, for getting around town. Priority on busy days is to give these spaces to such people. When you have a young supportive family in the car and your own wheelchair (or similar), you are respectfully asked to park elsewhere. Being in this latter category, we parked, successfully, alongside the Town Hall on Feethams which provided a level access route to the Dolphin Centre. Things could not have been simpler but this, of course, is only possible if you display your orange or blue badge. However, Shopmobility would be the first to acknowledge that unforeseen problems can arise and, therefore, were at pains to say that help is always at hand.

The Dolphin Centre has an automatic door, which makes getting inside much easier, and the reception desk is just inside to the right. The staff were respectful and helpful in the face of my usual barrage of questions. For example, I wanted to know if there were any special sessions for people with a disability. Their policy, I learned, is to include all people in their regular sessions, but they do realise that special help may be needed to enable many of us to do this.

"Just ask any member of staff. They all know what they're doing," came the reassuring reply. This extends to discussing any particular or personal needs the visitor may have. Users of the centre can ring Customer Services in advance or ask at reception on their arrival. From here, their request can be transmitted by radio to the poolside so that staff can be suitably prepared. Their preparedness extends to the use of such specific aids as hoists. This equipment can enable those who find entering the pool difficult (or impossible), to gain access without hassle or harm. The user is helped into a seat on the poolside, harnessed securely, and then gently lowered into the water. Any further need for support once in the pool can be arranged with staff, who are always there to lend a helping hand.

I got the impression that I was in safe hands and that everyone at the centre is aware of the needs of disabled people. They have taken care out of the realm of being something exclusive and special and into the normal routine. I find this most commendable and uplifting and there are many public facilities that could learn from this. We changed in the Accessible Change which is reached from the poolside. There are two cubicles, lockers and a large shower/toilet area with grab rails and everything needed for additional support. The change area is about 15 feet from the poolside so it may be wise, for anyone feeling a little vulnerable on the wet tiles, to ask for an arm to lean on or a pusher to steer you in your chair to the best pool entry point. Getting your armband in exchange for your locker key is a bit of a drag, so a kind staff member might do this for you. Being a Saturday, the pool was heaving but we still enjoyed an hour of swimming, volleyball, playing tig and generally messing about. People requiring more space and less frenetic activity around them might choose a quieter afternoon.

Tired but refreshed, we went afterwards by lift to the first floor cafeteria which overlooks both the Horsemarket and the pool. It was very crowded here and difficult to gain access. Asking the first assistant I saw if there was a way in with my buggy she replied: "Eeh, ah don't think so pet." However, her partner intervened, cleared a way through to a seating area for all three of us, took my order from the table, sorted out the kids and carried the food to our table. A star.

I reflected on the fact that three of us had had a wonderful morning out for the princely sum of £10 all in - including the chips.

It is so special being able to play with my children in the water in a way that is not possible on land. The water provides support and stability and is something of a leveller - I do not feel disabled in the baths and I can swim as well as many others who elsewhere would see me as very dependent. For this reason, I particularly value swimming pools. Better than this, I especially value family and disabled-friendly facilities and, it would seem, these needs are gladly met in the Dolphin Centre.

FACT PANEL :

The Dolphin Centre, Horsemarket, Darlington, DL1 SRP Telephone: (01325) 388406

Inquiries: (01325) 388424 Bookings: (01325) 388410 Customer Services e-mail : leisureservices@darlington.gov.uk

Shopmobility : (01325) 489999

Published: April 3rd 2001