Surbiton Lagoon in The Fifties
I remember walking to this pool, Surbiton Lagoon, from New Malden. In those days our costume would be rolled in your towel, tucked under our arm and off we would go. No grown ups to escort us. No backpacks or holdalls in those days for us, just my purse for coins. I remember the metal lockers and how the grass always got muddy where wet feet ran. The lovely fountain and the terraces where mainly teenagers laid sunbathing. I also belonged to Surbiton Lagoon Swimming Club which was held each week at the Coronation Baths in Kingston (also long since demolished). Was there a club night at the Lagoon in the summer? If so I did not go. It seems a shame that so many outdoor pools have disappeared. How many are struggling for survival still?
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RE: RE: Surbiton Lagoon in The Fifties
I remember the Lagoon, we used to come on the bus from our home in Morden. I learned to swim there at the ripe old age of fourteen! It had a 5-metre board, the closest you could dive from that height in Wimbledon baths was by standing on the railings of the balcony. You got thrown out if you did. Remember the Coca-Cola floats you had in the café? Coca-Cola with a scoop of ice cream. The Lagoon was only bettered by Guildford Lido, but we didn't start going there as teenagers until I bought my first car in the late fifties. The Lagoon is long gone, replaced by a housing estate.
Comment from Bob Ford on Tuesday, 28th February 2012.