Booking

On Friday mornings Ferretfingers goes swimming at our local pool, he pays the fee for himself and his companion in cash on the way in.

During the lockdowns the pool was closed.  When things started opening again the council wanted to ensure maximum hygiene, cleaning public areas between sessions, and were reluctant to have their staff handle cash.  At first swimming sessions had to be booked up to a week in advance, preferably online, using a debit card.  As there was quite a demand I always tried to get Ferretfingers’ session booked as early as possible.

The online booking system however did not accommodate booking for a disabled person plus their companion/outreach-worker/minder (take your pick).  This had to be done by phone.

I must say the ladies on the leisure centre's telephone were almost always patient, courteous and friendly.  We got to know each other’s voices quite well.

From Facebook archives…

8 April 2021 at 11:30

Just phoned the Lakeside Centre to book swimming session for Ferretfingers next Friday.

"We've got 07.30 and 9 ... and 11.30 but we can't book that until 11.30 today."

"Shall I ring you back in half an hour?"

"You do that, speak to you then."

Ain’t technology great?!