Meet the committee

Katy Ferguson (Chair)

I started swimming at the lido in 2014 — the first time it opened over the winter, because at the time the indoor pool was being renovated. My early morning lido swims are now so important to my health and wellbeing that I can’t imagine life without them or the lido community.

I was elected Chair when PRLUG was set up to shake the Council and Fusion into improving the lido facilities and sorting out the opening hours. That was back in 2018. Been at it ever since!

Sharon Louth (Vice-Chair)

I have been swimming at Park Road pretty much all my life! I don’t believe I have ever left the lido not feeling more cheery than I did upon arrival. A swim, a chat and the lido’s ability to remind me of David Hockney’s California swimming pools, always make me smile.

I’ve worked for Sport England and the Football Association and given advice on the design and running of sports facilities all over the UK. I got involved in PRLUG as an opportunity to use my experience to help the sports facility I love the most improve. I think it’s important, as the recognised user group, that we keep encouraging Fusion and Haringey to keep the lido open, maintained and used by all residents of our borough. It has so much potential and I hope one day it will be the best lido in London!

Chris Chown (Vice-Chair)

I am lucky to have lived locally to the lido for many years and it remains one of the reasons I love the area so much. From cold icy mornings to long sunny summer days, the different seasons bring so many contrasting experiences.

I always leave with a spring in my step and feel that there is no better start to the day than a few lengths in the water. I believe the lido is a huge asset to the community that should be used as fully as possible.

Simon Pritchard (Communications Officer)

I’ve lived in Crouch End for 25 years and have always been aware of what a precious asset Park Road Lido is, as one of just a handful of large outdoor pools in the capital. Working part-time since Covid — almost exclusively from home — allowed me to swim regularly there all year round. I love swimming in the open air, and the lido has become central to my health and wellbeing.

After the 2023 AGM, I thought my experience in digital marketing and e-commerce could be useful to the committee, and I started helping with website, Instagram, and email updates. You might see me checking the water temperature by the centre steps — despite the year-round heating this can sometimes fluctuate significantly, and we post updated readings on Instagram.

Ceryl Dejyothin (Treasurer)

As a chartered accountant I wanted to use my skills to give back to the community. I am passionate that physical activity is an amazing way to improve both physical and mental health and I think this is especially true when it comes to swimming outdoors in the lido. 

You’ll usually find me in the Lido on a Saturday or in the summer months I couldn’t think of a better way to end a work day than with an early evening swim. Happy swimming!

Joe Hornsby (TriN8)

I am one of the original members of TriN8 Triathlon Club who train at the lido on Tuesday and Friday mornings. Fanatic about the lido since moving to Haringey in 2012, my role is to ensure great relations continue between the club, the user group, and all other members.

Andy Bellisario

I have been swimming at the lido for years. Initially it was just a wonderful place to while away the summer holidays with my children, but then I got the bug and became a regular daily swimmer. In the “old days” when the pool was only open from May to September, on the first day, I would rush to be the first person in the pool and at the end of the season the last one out 😊.

I joined the PRLUG committee as I am passionate about the lido and wanted to help with the push for changes to ensure that it is the best it can possibly be… still a work in progress! Even though things aren’t perfect, it is a beautiful oasis, there is nothing quite like the blue water sparkling in the sunshine.

Dot Bruce

I’ve worked in sports and leisure for 24 years, based at Park Road.

I specialised in pool plant and feel my wealth of experience may be of value explaining the technical side to issues involved with of the running of the lido. I can also give insights into the day to day running of the centre and whether ideas are worth pursuing. I have used the lido since I was a child and really value the joy it brings to all the community.

Liz Whitlock

I’ve been swimming at the lido since around 2000 and really got the bug when I started outdoor aqua aerobics on a Sunday morning. I’ve continued swimming outdoors because of the amazing stress-busting effects during difficult times.

I joined PRLUG because I was frustrated that simple changes weren’t being implemented and I want to see the lido flourish and be recognised as the amazing facility that it could be, with the longest possible opening hours and a pool cover to save energy and conserve heat.