Pontypridd, Paddling Pool, Ynysangharad Park c.1960

Photo ref: P716046

Coedpenmaen primary school used the pool for swimming lessons. We changed under the canopy and duly walked into the water ready for the lesson. Fine if it was June /July, this was mid March ! Still, the walk back to school eventually warmed us up.

I well remember deciding to swim here and have the pool to ourselves. Me and my friends Andy & Terry decided to get up at 7:00 one sunny morning during the summer holidays and it was 'ours' for about 2 hours. The drain under the board was really scary though. Happy days

I have fond memories of Dante Fair where I used to meet my old mates and the gorgeous Christine Harris. Every time I listen to 'The Carnival is over' reminds me of her. The 60's in the Park we would swim through a break in the wood and swim under water to the centre of the pool. And great times in the big pool with the diving boards the old changing cubes and then a nice warm cupa and something to eat in the cafe. ...see more

It was approximately 1960 that whilst bathing in the 'pool' as a child of about 3, I held onto the rail at the edge of the 'boardwalk' and became stuck as my legs were pulled underneath where the water poured in (not being strong enough to pull my legs back) and had to be rescued by another child. Scary!!