Swimming pools & swimmers

We used to march up the road to the pool that was near to Ullathorne. I think it was closed for the season but they ley us use it. Freezing cold but we loved the cup of oxtail soup we could buy. No question - it was child cruelty. I was a member of the Godiva Ladies when I was about 12 and I still have the certificate to prove that I could swim one width in good style!

It really did so Rob, this made us resilient and tough.

When at Henry Parkes School from the mid 50's we were taught to swim at the then Teachers Training College pool. Lined up in 2's we set off along Prior Deram Walk, up Sherriff Ave and in the gate off Charter Ave. The walk there was ok, but it was awful walking back in the cold with wet hair!

Whereabouts on Hales Street was this one? Presume the Priory Street Baths replaced it (similar style?) and if so does anyone know what year that opened please?

It was replaced by the fire station. It's on the 1888 map but gone by 1906 where the other baths were further east.

Nicole Collins on FB shared this image of the Baths - it was taken in 2023, however I'm told it's still the same and the building is still in remarkably good condition. Such a shame - it was a proper pool and made me feel like I was in the Olympics!

Central Baths ticket 7½ d

Priory St Baths used to have what was called "slipper baths". My Uncle John used to go there, from George St, for his "weekly" bath rather than have it in the old tin bath in front of the fire. He was once "barred" from the swimming pool because he chose to go off the roof girders rather than the high board.

That would make a smashing little anecdote to accompany the rather dry article about the building of Priory Street Baths on Historic Coventry.