Coate Water.

A Memory of Swindon.

I remember swimming in Coate Water aged about 8 - 10 and nearly drowning in the open air swimming pool. My cousin fell into the lake when he was about three but was rescued by my uncle who leapt in to get him out. The diving board in the picture seemed enormous to me and I was impressed by the people who dived from the top. I love Richard Jeffries books and have several which I treasure. I am now aged 73.

I went to Holy Rood Catholic Primary School for two years travelling by bus from Ashbury each school day the fare was 11d return.