Alderman W.W. Saunders opened the Gala Bath
with the Lord Mayor Ald. Percival Bower presiding
over the occasion.
The Gala Hall was packed the audience being entertained by a fine
Water Gala. There was an exhibition of 440 yards pacing by Miss Doris Molesworth , who was a representative at the Olympic Games in Paris 1924, accompanied by Mr C.R. Baker who attempted to break 100 yards record. Other Paris Olympians - Miss Belle White, Miss V Newman and Miss E. Armstrong demonstrated their Olympic prowess from the diving boards.
They plunged into the 113 ft. X 74 ft. wide “pond” from the 3 and 5 metre platforms, and 3m springboard, into the “unusually deep” 8 ft. 6 inches of water There was a line of red tiling across the width of the bath floor, to warn swimmers that the bath suddenly deepened.
Above the spectator seating, there was a dado of oak changing cubicles.
A very special event was organised namely the “Nurses and Babies” competition, where the nurse carried out her duties by undressing and dressing the baby, at the same time encountering water obstacles on the way!
The building was given a free treatment of classic. It was constructed in red brick with facings and dressings of Portland stone.
In addition there was the “Ladies Bath” and both ponds were lined with white glazed tiles. The bath was to become very famous, hosting the Amateur Swimming Association Bologna Trophy (England, Scotland & Wales) most years; produced many television Gala; nurtured a famous diving club renowned for displays all over the district; and a synchronised swimming club.
The baths persistently buzzed with activity; holding many courses, and seminars.
On a hot Summers day, queues used to form all down Woodcock Street, passed the brewery and the tiny back to back terraces and tuck shops
OUTCOME: Main Gala Bath was floored over permanently, and used as a sports hall on Aston University Campus
