Copyright AGJ and Contributors 2004/08. Updated 30/3/2008
Winter time was another story.
The pool was covered over with a highly sprung dance floor, and The Gala Baths became The Gala Hall.
It looked very grand with the orchestra dais, and the hall
bedecked with flowers and plants.
The Gala Hall attracted many famous symphony orchestras
Including one broadcasting “Friday Night is Music Night”
There were famous live dance bands and these were regularly broadcast on the “Light Wave”. I remember seeing George Melley and the Chris Barber Jazz Musicians. Dancing was wonderful, and I attended many with my friends, on the promise I was back 10.30pm.
The Gala Hall was also the venue for many schools
occasions, and activities such as Morris Dancing and other Concerts and Presentations. They were very happy days.
OUTCOME
During the 60’s the bombed bath was eventually replaced
by a new 25 m pool and was used for Swimming Club
Training and Schools and Council Swimming Lessons.
There were no diving facilities.
Sadly, the Gala Baths became more of a Gala Hall, but
without the grandeur of its former days.
The bath remained boarded over and became a general
sports hall including badminton and boxing. The tank has
remained empty to this present day.
The original familiar tiling around the door
frames and along the walls remain, but
despite this, it looks a little worse for wear
and rather dilapidated.
The 60’s pool still exists...just.
The Interior had a wooden galleried spectators area all around the pool, supported by wooden columns. This was reached via steps from poolside.
This could easily have been the site of the
original entrance to the old bombed bath?
