Letchworth, Leys Avenue c.1950

Photo ref: L39002

I was playing with school friends and we all had our bikes, I picked up a puncture. One of my friends lent me his bike, we used to race around the path that surrounded the pool. I took one of the bends too sharp, crashed, the bike and I went in the water! Thankfully apart from a bit of damage to the bike which I repaired, my friend took it all in good part. I trudged off home with ...see more

I too can recall summer days at the paddling pool, and a fair on the grass. Also I can recall the men of the Letchworth Rotary pulling the Kon-Tiki around the pool. I can also remember the fountain. It was always slippery and greasy. It has now been removed...but I hope to a museum as it was a true piece of Letchworth heritage. At the bottom of Leys Avenue there was a shop across the ...see more

As I look at this picture of the Letchworth swimming pool and notice the date is c1950… it would be only a few years later (mid 60’s) that my friends and I would cycle there with our towels and trunks fastened to the backs of our bikes (no expensive designer sports bags for us!). We’d padlock/chain our bikes outside the pool and hope that the worst that could ...see more

The swimming pool was a very special place for those of us growing up in the late 40's and early 50's. Summers were spent there, swimming & baking in the sun & drinking hot Oxo. The pool was our main source of activity & many friendships were made whilst keeping us active & healthy. Many, many fond memories. I live in Canada now, but visit often & if it is Summer I visit the Pool!