Fernhill belongs to the people who swim in it. Members hold shares in a community benefit society: one member, one vote, and every surplus goes back into the water. Fernhill is fictional, so nothing on this page is a real offer. It shows how a real lido could invite its town to own a piece of it.

This lido has 1,800 owners.

Four ways to own a bit

WAYS IN

Illustrative options for a fictional community lido. No payment is taken and no shares are offered on this template.

Community share

£50

A say in how the lido is run.

Sponsor a tile

£25

Your mark on the new mosaic.

Friend of the lido

£5

Keeps the water warm all year.

Give your time

£0

The most useful thing you own.

£50

The minimum share, the same for everyone.

1 vote

Per member, however many shares they hold.

1,800

Member-owners so far, an illustrative figure.

0%

Dividends paid. Every surplus goes back into the pool.

Sponsor a tile, make the mosaic

The new shallow end has room for 3,000 hand-made tiles. Each sponsored tile is mapped, so you can always find yours.

Choose a colour

Coral, sun, deep or pool. The mosaic designer will place it in the pattern.

Find it on the map

Every tile has a number on the online tile map, with your initials beside it.

See it go in

We send a photo of your tile the week it is set into the pool.

Give it as a gift

Mark a birthday, a first swim or a long friendship with a tile.

Questions before you own

The answers a real community lido should give before anyone buys a share.

Still wondering?

A real lido would invite questions at its members’ meeting or by email. Fernhill’s door is imaginary, but always open.

No. Fernhill Lido is fictional. A real offer would publish a full offer document, explain the risks and comply with the rules for community shares.

Is this a real share offer?

A share in a community benefit society. It gives you one vote, whatever you invest, and is usually withdrawable rather than tradable.

What is a community share?

With any real share offer, yes. Community shares are not covered by the usual savings protections, so a real lido must say this clearly.

Could I lose my money?

Some societies pay modest interest. Ours, being imaginary, puts every surplus back into the water.

Do shares pay interest?

Yes. A tile is a gift, not an investment, and it lasts as long as the pool does.

Can I sponsor a tile instead?

By volunteer trustees elected at the annual members’ meeting, with a small paid team for lifeguarding and maintenance.

How is the lido run?