Freezing
My God, that swimming pool was never warm, when you jumped in, trust me, that was the only way to do it. If you stuck a toe in to test it, it would turn blue, so the best way was just to jump straight it, then you couldn't breathe for about a minute. After the initial shock it was ok as long as you stayed in the water, once you got out, hypothermia set in quite quickly, then walk to the pavilion, (I think it was green) for an icecream. I just remember everybody with towels around them with chattering teeth, happy days.
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RE: RE: Freezing
I attended M.D. Grammer School during the war, in the summer we walked from school via the Tub Steps for swimming lessons, I totally agree most of the time the pool was freezing. However I think everyone in those days thought the pool was wonderful and we all have happy memories of it.
Comment from Pat Scragg on Saturday, 10th January 2009.
RE: RE: Freezing
Oh how I remember the open air swimming baths - the Bickleys used to have the concession to run it. My sister and I were amongst the first in the queue each year to get a season ticket and we used to spend as much time down there as is possible. I can still see Mr Bickley making us anxiously wait whilst he (with a butterfly net) skimmed any leaves off the top of the water before we were allowed in. Then someone would plunge in and break the mirror finish of the water, from the top diving board. I remember Mr Bickley had a big chin and I don't recall ever seeing him smile! Jumping in the water was always a shock to the system, we would always shout how lovely it was, once in, to those who, with trepidation, were just dangling their toes in tentively and screwing up their faces - boy, was it ever cold - we were a hardy lot then!` On another theme, I can remember these days 'pre central heating' where the only room in the house that was remotely warm in the winter was the one with the fire in the grate -I've often seen ice on the INSIDE of the bedroom windows! My mum insisted the little window at the top remained open in all weathers-she said it was 'healthy'! The fountain, the obsolete tennis courts, the river wending its way behind the ornate concrete wall, the tots' paddling pool - I get 'goose bumps' just thinking about it. I can see my sister now with her little 'all in one cossie' and she always held her nose as she jumped in. I will never forget - it's like another world now. Then there was the cafeteria on the veranda - I seem to remember we didn't very often go in there, because we didn`t have any spare money. We walked about 2 miles home, to Dalelands, and our parents were never too concerned - there were no mobile 'phones then. Allen Warrender
Comment from Allen Warrender on Wednesday, 12th May 2010.