THE Friends of Stonehaven's open air pool have a new man at the helm for 2009.

Former Stonehaven Rotary president Mike Robins has taken on the mantle of chairman of the group after Birnie Lees stepped down from the role last year.
Retired hotelier Mr Mike Robins,a former president of Stonehaven Rotary Club is hoping to put his experience of the tourism industry to good use to help turn around the fortunes of the pool.

He is looking forward to an exciting year as the Outdoor Pool celebrates it's 75th anniversary and a new children's paddling pool will be opened.

He said he was looking forward to the challenge and already had a number of ideas to run through the committee in the new year but that much hard work would be needed.
"We have one of the most amazing attractions here in Stonehaven and we're extremely lucky to have it but it does require an awful lot of work to keep it going.
"We need to keep it up-to-date and make it more relevant for modern times. We're looking to enter a whole new family market with the children's paddling pool as we'll be able to cater for everyone from grandparents to toddlers."
Mr Robins said he had long been a supporter of the Friends of the open air pool and that his wife sat on the committee for several years.
"The Friends put in a phenomenal amount of effort and contribute the equivalent of tens of thousands of pounds of work in personal effort," he added.
"It is important they get the recognition they deserve as there is an amazing amount of talent among them."
He said that in the current economic climate the pool will face additional challenges.
"Every organisation now has major challenges and we may need a new way of working to get through," he added.
"I want everyone to be able to get excited about the pool and to enjoy what they are doing.

Our job now is to involve the whole community and find ways that allow everyone to contribute in whatever way they are able.
"We need to safeguard the future of the pool instead of living hand to mouth."

The Stonehaven Guide wishes Mike Robbins every success in his attempts to build on the hard work done by previous Chairmen and committess and hope this 75th year will be the best yet for Stonehaven's unique attraction.

More information on website for Open Air Pool