Always called Woy Woy pool

I do not doubt the original naming of the pool as a memorial to those brave Australians who served their country in war and I don't wish to be disrespectful to their memory.

However, in all my 32 years of living at Umina, I have never heard the pool being called anything but "the Woy Woy pool".

My two daughters learned to swim at the old pool, went to many a school swimming carnival there and belonged to Woy Woy Swimming Club for many years.

In winter, we were forced to use the small heated indoor pool with the stifling smell of chlorine, claustrophobic atmosphere, wet floors and uncomfortable seating.

In spring we would adjourn to the outdoor pool no matter what weather conditions prevailed - rain, hail or gales.

The same applied to autumn.

Now there is an all-weather undercover pool inside a great new modern facility, not to mention a heated section for everyone to use that has disabled access.

There is a waterslide and kiddies splash pool for the toddlers.

In addition to all this, there is a spa, sauna and modern clean dressing rooms.

I take my grandson to swimming lessons every week and enjoy seeing all the parents socialising, enjoying a snack and coffee whilst the kids are in the pool.

What can be wrong with that?

As for selling Coca Cola and bottled water in a public place, weren't these products advertised and sold along with chips, ice-creams and lollies in the old kiosk at the entrance?

There are vending machines in just about every public place including hospitals, train stations and surf clubs.

It's just a fact of life.

There is a very tasteful memorial incorporated in the wall of the foyer next to the southern entrance.

I have never seen a vending machine anywhere close to it.

I have nothing but praise for this centre, the many facilities and staff there is a very friendly and dedicated bunch.

Kevin Martin, Umina Beach