Gorleston Lido

The old beach gardens became a truly wonderful centre for relaxation and enjoyment.
The Lido, filled with luxurious heated sea water, was unusually lined with green tiling, and was 150 feet long by 48 feet wide, with depths varying between 3 feet 6 inches and nine feet 6 inches
Five diving boards were installed to “Board of Trade Regulation Pattern.”
Bathers enjoyed romantic floodlight bathing, and during the day, they were able to swim and sunbathe on the grassy areas midst the bright and colourful flower beds.
At a later date the aroma of the rambler roses disguising the cubicles, emitted sweetness into the air!!
An attractive addition was to enjoy the facilities of the domed Floral Hall. Apart from being of striking design, two flights of stairs led hundreds of people to sit, sunbathe and enjoy the panoramic views of the sea and river, sheltered well from winds.
At night the balconies were softly illuminated and one had the impression of being on deck of a luxury liner.
Inside, schemes of blue, pink pale green, brown and black complemented the circular 80 feet maple dance floor which allowed 500 people to session the afternoons or nights away in comfort, to the music of the Bert Galey orchestra with Gala evenings held once a week. Tea or evening meals were served on the raised balconies surrounding the floor. Many other bands performed, and concert parties were held. Mural wall designs looked in place beneath the tinted glass domed roof.

2000 people packed the Floral Hall for the opening ceremony by Tom Webster the cartoonist. Following the event, the throng gathered around the swimming pool to watch a swimming exhibition by the “Johnson’s” girls under the direction of Mrs Blake and diving demonstration by the Norwich Lads’ Club. Displays following by Elsie and William Deane.
To round off the day, 500 people danced the evening away to the tempos of the Bert Galey orchestra.

Outcome:
The lido lay derelict for three years from 1990 until it was finally bulldozed away in 1993. The wonderful memories will remain, including the magical first meetings of partners which were to last forever!
At the time of demolition, council members were planning to return the site to gardens similar as before........ before the “days of the lido.”