This swimming pool was opened in 1892 and was originally the 'Mens' pool (women and children used a smaller pool). It is still used as a swimming pool but now it is used by everyone. This room has quite a history - not just for swimming - it has been boarded over and used as a hospital in the war, a roller skating venue and dance hall and various (non-swimming) events. You can almost hear the echoes of its history if you listen carefully! It has of course hosted many water related events - water polo, speed competitions and galas.
During our guided tour of the building, we were told how hard it is to maintain this large room, mostly due to the humid atmosphere, because everything is trying to rust, peel or go mouldy and so much of it is out of reach. It is a huge undertaking to look after this room properly but it is so gloriously splendid it must be worth that effort and we are grateful that it has been kept well thus far.
There are a number of photographs of this area on Flickr to see:
c.1910 Event
1911 - Liberal Tea
c.1914 - Red Cross Hospital
Inside Pages:
ALL Inside Photographs
or straight to:
Committee Room
Gym Waiting Room
Large Pool
Mural - 'The Folly'
Mural - 'Mother and Child'
Original Main Entrance
Reception
Small (teaching) Pool
Windows
Photographs of the Outside of building
