"Tomorrow 21st July will see another landmark in the history of Ramsgate. It is the official opening of the Marina Bathing Pool and Cafes by His Worship the Mayor Alderman Dye."
The Mayors opening words were the signal for a mass plunge into the pool by members of the Ramsgate Swimming Club and the Royal Air Force Swimming Club from Manston Camp.
A Mannequin Parade of Bathing Beauties in alluring swim suits took place plus an exhibition of high diving from the superb diving platform.
The pool was marked off in various depths with circular rafts for sunbathing. There was a magnificent cafe overlooking the bathing and boating pools. Built in an attractive style, there was a car park under the cafe which would take at least 50 cars.
The old Marina Bathing Station with it 70 odd wooden bathing huts and the Club hut for the Ramsgate Swimming Club, was demilished to make way for a new promenade and dressing accomodation for the pool
Picture shows entire complex with boating pool at the lower end and recreational/dancing/roller skating area and restaurant top end.
Floodlit bathing played a major part in relaxation swimming. Ramsgate Marina Bathing Pool was the biggest attraction in Thanet during holiday weekends and 5000 passed through the turnstile alone on a Monday. Water Polo matches were frequent, together with spectacular displays of swimming and diving. There was a date in September when the famous US diver Pete Desjardins was flying over to specially give a display.
OUTCOME:The Lido lived on for 50 years. Sadly, it succombed to the same threats as most lidos at the time, climate change and weather conditions. Package holidays abroad where the sunshine was guaranteed, all took its toll on patronage. I believe there was a problem with the draining of the pool that caused possible exacerbation of its demise. Numbers had dwindled and eventually it was abandoned and left to decay. It became an eyesore and local businessman Mr John Bates filled the site, and applied white paint to the surrounds in his attempt to smarten up what was left of the pool.
Comparison below - 3rd down picture taken 1999. Now car park 2012
