Local Stories - The Lido - Riccardo Giovanacci
How are you feeling today?
I feel good – spent an hour on the spin bike this morning whilst I made calls to clients and my staff. I see myself as a generally happy/positive person although, like most people, I do find it tough being cooped up at home during lockdown.
What are you doing to stay positive in this current climate?
A big help to staying positive is keeping active and doing some form of exercise. My wife’s gym offered to rent out equipment during lockdown, so we hired two spin bikes plus weights and a trampoline. I also purchased some gym equipment for my wife’s birthday last week including TRX bands and battle ropes.
Our 2-year-old son also keeps up positive. Having a child who is completely clueless to all that is going on around you helps you stay sane and happy.
How long have you been going to the Gourock Pool?
I started going to the Gourock pool when I was young (circa 7 or 8). In the summer months, my parents would take me down swimming with friends. I also went to a local Play Scheme during the summers pre-teenage years, which would also take us there.
Do you have any specific memories or stories about it?
I remember the first time I went to the Gourock Pool and my mum explaining that it’s outside and it’s filled with seawater. Although I was apprehensive at first, I thoroughly enjoyed it, especially when the weather was nice.
What makes the pool so special to you?
Being one of the only few lido’s left in the UK – it’s nice that you still have the option to go for a swim outside in a proper sized pool. Often when I speak to people about being from Greenock/Gourock, they’ll often mention the Pool as an unofficial landmark.
What kind of swimmer are you?
I’m okay at swimming – I’m a member of the Arlington Baths in Glasgow (which is near my office) so try and go along once a week for a swim after a stressful day at work.
Have you ever been brave enough to jump from the top dale?
No – I’m a complete scaredy-cat!
Will you be sad to miss the Gourock Pool this season?
Yes – nothing better than going for a swim outside on a “warm” Scottish Summers day. I have friends, such as James Semple, who use it regularly as part of their daily routine, will miss it most!
We recently captured our SS20 campaign in Gourock, Inverkip & Largs – what do you find is so special about this part of the world?
First and foremost, it’s home. Even though I don’t live there anymore, I will always consider it as my home and I’m so proud to come from Inverclyde. There is something magical about growing up by the water. I never appreciated it fully until I moved to London. Over the years, I’ve since lived in Glasgow and now Killearn but neither came with a view of the River – the one thing I miss the most! I had an excellent childhood growing up in Greenock & Gourock. I still have plenty of family and friends who stay there. Whenever I go back to visit, I always have fond memories where ever I go.
Riccardo Giovanacci.
