A place for photos and art inspired by the Lake
Weston Marine Lake
Weston sea is seldom seen
Say those not in the know,
Who jest about the muddy walk
That makes sea access slow.
But Weston has a tidal pool
That draws the dry robe team
To throw off clothes,
Descend the steps
And swim splash scream!
By Jan Doyle Mudlarks Director
Poem by Beth Calverley
The Poetry Machine
Please get this poem wet
Woven from conversation threads of Weston Marine Lake swimmers at the Spring Awakening Swim
TV cameras filmed us in the mud, campaigning to dredge the lake.
We emerged, dripping, from grassroots. In it from the beginning.
I love seeing people love it here. It’s local and it’s free,
no “can I afford this?”
In the lake, on the lake, round the lake.
Constantly changing colour, even on a grey day.
For me, it’s mental health that doesn’t cost a lot. Light, reflections,
back to the present. Cold takes pain away.
We’ll do anything for a badge. Dip in and out.
Scream and shout. oo! ah! ffff – all the sounds.
Remember to breathe. Mud on the soles of your feet.
When I lay back, it’s peace that washes over me.
I hadn’t noticed that blue patch of sky until now.
Most of my friends come down,
thousands of mudlarks fundraising, cleaning up,
different bobble-hats. Hugs like towels. “Don’t get the poem wet!”
In the C19th, when sand was shingle,
this was an open cove called Glentworth Bay.
By the 20s, there were rafts, pedalos, dinghies.
Then we forgot to have fun outside.
I want to help my town remember how to thrive,
move together like synchro. Flower caps on. Here goes!
The future is a changing place, a tingly shower, a pontoon of play.
Steps facing forwards. We’re smoothing the apron of this lake,
fixing the sluice gates of community, that endorphin tingle,
shade in summer, protection in winter,
infinitely worth dredging for infinity.
Who needs Madeira when you’ve got Weston Marine Lake?
With all these changes, we’ll have to learn to share.
Everything about the lake is space. Over here, over there.
I hope that never changes. I’ve swum in lots of places,
this is the most inclusive. Dip out, dip in.
It’s warming up a bit actually. Shall we go for it?
Scouts Raft Making at Marine Lake
