Golden anniversary for community pool

The birthday celebrations kick-start on Sunday, August 14, from 2.30-6.30pm, with a sub-aqua try-dive for adults and children aged over 12, with everyone involved in line for an underwater photo of the experience.

Other events include:

- Sunday, September 25, 2.30-5.30pm - a water based It’s-a-Knockout for all ages, where teams will compete through a variety of events.

- Sunday, October 9, 2.30-5.30pm - a children’s swimming gala organised by Chapeltown Swimming Club, involving swimmers of all ages from the Bath’s swimming lessons, in a series of swimming races.

- Friday, December 9, 7-11pm- a sixties night at The Ranch to celebrate the official opening date.

The not-for-profit swimming pool has been open to the public since 1961.

Kath Burgess, chairman of the baths’ volunteer board of directors, said: “Keeping the baths running is no small feat. Pools are expensive items and this one’s housed in a 50-year-old building which needs a lot of maintenance.

“We are only here today by grace of the many many hours of time and effort the volunteers from the community continue to put in.

“There are too many to mention but I have to say a special thanks to Terry Thompson for his years of efforts in maintaining the building and John Bradshaw for his dedicated management of the tight finances over several years.

“Fifty years is a magnificent achievement and we felt we must mark the occasion with events that would recognise all aspects of the community we serve.”

As part of the celebrations, baths volunteeers are hoping to create a memories board with people’s recollections of using the facilities over the years.

Mrs Burgess added: “I’m often approached by people who share their fond memories of the baths and it would be wonderful to display these as part of the celebrations.

“Also, we know when the official opening took place, but can anyone tell us the date when it was first open to the public?

“Were you there at the opening and one of the first to swim in the pool?”

Anyone with memories of the baths please contact Mrs Burgess on 0114 257 0354.