Over the past few months in the Gazettes of 1924, there have been reports of the active swimming club which held regular competitions and galas in the baths in St Andrew Street. The Gazette reflected the excitement surrounding the opening, in July 1924, of the new baths. It was situated in Leat Street on the right, just beyond what is now the roundabout at the start of Kennedy Way, between the road and the river. The opening was set for July 17th with the inaugural gala on the 19th. Prior to the opening, the Gazette reported that the baths would be 25 yards long so ‘would come within the list of baths at which county and other championships can be decided’. It was further reported that ‘the slope of the baths at the shallow end is not too pronounced and the learners will be able to walk about with comfort’. Particular mention is made of a gift of £1000 given by a Mr. Turner which enabled the baths to be built.
Later in the month, the great success of the opening gala was reported. It included the county polo trials as well as a variety of races and exhibition swims. There were, however, a few things still missing – some of the dressing ‘boxes’ were still in preparation, a water chute and a diving platform were being dreamt of for the future.
We have talked about swimming before in these posts so have chosen different, related artefacts from the Museum this time.
Water Polo Team 1925
The museum has a number of photos of the water polo teams spanning a large number of years. Perhaps some of these team members were involved in the county trials the year before.
Tiverton Grammar School Gala
This photo shows both the facilities for spectators and some of the dressing ‘boxes’ on the right.
Diving Boards
The dream came true for the diving boards at least!
Floodlit Comic Gala
Through the years the pool was used for a variety of swimming events. This one is, perhaps, one of the more unusual?
Written by Museum Volunteer, Sue B