Dagenham, The Swimming Pool, Valence Park c.1960

Photo ref: D178035

1966 onwards are my memories of this swimming pool, we had so much fun during our 6 week break from Triptons School my three brothers and I. In fact my brother Danny was a lifeguard or at least he thought he was. It would be fantastic to hear from anyone who remembers us. Maureen Hewitt

I remember moving to Dagenham when I was 4, I lived at 46 Boulton Road. After school me, my sisters (Mandy and Sally) and friends would go over to Valence Park and when supper was ready my mum would come and get us. We used to call the big swimming pool 'the lido'. You had to pay to get in so one would pay and go and open the gate at the back of the Lido for friends to get in if they never had the pennies ...see more

I remember learning to swim here whilst at Triptons school. The best swimmers/divers used to be in the galas every year. You either moved or stood about shivering. When I was a bit younger (about 7 years) I kidded myself I could swim in the paddling pool outside and once I tried to swim in my baggy underpants only to leave them behind. In the summer you had music/variety and punch & judy in the bandstand ...see more

I used to go swimming at this pool with my school. The water temprature was shown as we entered and was often 36F. If it rained our weekly swimming lesson was cancelled. I never did learn to swim at this pool, as it took me most of my lesson getting used to the temperature of the water!