It’ll be Cool for Cats at the Saltdean Lido Gala Ball

The community interest company (CIC) that is running the Saltdean Lido is promising a black tie gala ball with Black Coffee in Bed.

And it’ll be Cool for Cats too as one of the Lido’s supporters, former Squeeze lyricist Chris Difford, performs hits from the band’s back catalogue.

The organisers said that the bard of Deptford was proving to be a big pull for the £60 a head ball at the Grand hotel. It includes dinner as well as an intimate and unplugged session featuring some old favourites.

Difford, who lives near Alfriston, wrote the words for all the bestselling hits by Squeeze with Glenn Tilbrook, including Up the Junction, Another Nail in my Heart and Labelled with Love. He has also penned lyrics for former bandmate Jools Holland as well as the likes of Elton John.

Chris Difford

The gala ball on Saturday 4 October is a fundraiser for the art deco Saltdean Lido.

The event is being held as the Saltdean Lido CIC holds talks with the Heritage Lottery Fund. The charity has already submitted other grant applications.

The cost of restoring the lido runs into millions of pounds but those running the CIC want the pool to be reopened as soon as possible.

They said: “When restored, the lido will offer all year round sports and recreational facilities including a heated swimming pool, an art deco restaurant and bar and a public library.

“For this to happen, the CIC needs to raise several million pounds and if successful hope to have the lido open by summer 2016.”

The CIC also plans a community share scheme later this year to help fund the renovation costs of the project.

This will enable supporters to become owners of the lido with a direct say in its future.

To book tickets for the black tie gala ball – at £60 a head or £600 for a table – visit the lido website www.saltdeanlido.co.uk.

It’s not quite a case of the past has been bottled and labelled with love – but the CIC is hoping for a strong show of support!