One of Britains Finest Bathing Pools Opened on May 27th 1933. Sir Humphry Rolleston G.C.V.O. declared the pool open in front of 5,000 spectators.
Over loaded buses made their way along the promenade to join in and enjoy this momentous occasion. Sunshine added the final touch to the glorious scene of colour seen in the great bathing pool. Festooned in flags and bunting, hundreds of swimmers were awaiting the first gun to indicate the “big splash.”
Dressed in scarlet robes Mayor, Cllr. H.Burden introduced Sir Humphry, and asked him to declare the pool open. The gun was fired, 250 bathers plunged into the dazzling clear blue waters.
A thrilling moment came when Dare-Devil Leslie stood poised on the edge of a 60 feet drop.
He flung off his cloak and launched into a perfect swallow dive. A parade of Victorian/Edwardian bathing costumes, the latest Jantzen costumes and beach suits followed. Diving and swimming exhibitions intermingled with the celebrations.
Sir Humphry was then taken on an inspection of the 330ft. by 90ft pool, which held a million gallons of water. The pool graduated in depth from 2 ft to 15 ft. under the fine International diving stage. The Bathing Pool staged many National Swimming and Diving Championships, and thus hosted many an International star.
Adding weight behind this, Mr T Mather, Empire Highboard Champion 1934 was the manager of the pool. New ways of diving training were introduced, including belts and trampolining.
This fine bathing pool lent its vastness and versatility, to eventually becoming a very popular Holiday Camp in 1960. It lived on until the 70’s - but on borrowed time.
OUTCOME: Due to package holidays available, bathers dwindled. Much debate and public outcry resulted, when there were threats of closure. Ideas were to turn the site into a - marine centre - roofing business - holiday complex - luxury housing. “Hi-de-Hi” days were over and the beautiful pool was razed to the ground. The rubble was ground down, and used for cement to help reconstruct the sea wall, and build a cycle way.
