In brilliant sunshine the Mayor of Ramsgate Ald.E.E.Dye declared the pool open in July 1935.
The Ramsgate Swimming Club, together with the R.A.F. Swimming Club from Manston and the Royal Marines Swimming Club staged a spectacular water gala. A magnificent diving and swimming display was given by 6 years old Miss Maureen Dodd.The London Club divers, who had been expected, were delayed, and little Maureen gave a display that some adults might have envied! The glorious facilities held continuous attractions at the pool, namely floodlight bathing until 10pm on some evenings. Regular diving displays were given during the day by England diving champions from the Highgate Diving Club. The team comprised C.D. Tomalin (English Springboard and High Diving Champion), R.H. Beveridge (2nd - Springboard) J.B. Ray (Empire Games representative). J Ewart and Miss K Long.
The USA Olympic Champion Pete Desjardins flew over to give one of his superb displays. It was said to be the most “Perfect Pool”. With its International diving and swimming facilities, fun slides, skating rink, boating lake, (both adjoining the pool), plus the regular dancing competitions for adults and children, taking place at the Aero Cafe. Who could argue?
The pool “lived on” for 50 years.
OUTCOME: Sadly, weather conditions, package holidays abroad, when the sunshine was guaranteed, took its toll on patronage. Numbers dwindled and eventually it was abandoned and left to decay. A local businessman Mr John Bates filled the site.
