A pool was born into the town Community, which would possess some spectacular delights, and would one day generate many future champions, From day one, the facility hit the headlines. Tthe pool would be proud to have His Majesty King George V and her Majesty Queen Mary attend the opening ceremony.
They, and the crowds were entertained to a fine exhibition of swimming and diving, ending with a water polo match Berkshire v. Kent. Cecil and Harold Dean - --one mile English record holder and ex. Southern County back stroke record holder respectively-demonstrated their skill together with fine diving talent from Empire Games Diving Champion 1934 J.B. Ray and A.T. Johnson English Plain Diving Champion.
There was an attack on the 100 yards Bath record which was held by R. Randall 60-1/5secs, by M.Y. Ffrench Williams from Penguin S.C. who had represented the country in the Olympic Games 1932/36.
The pool commenced with star quality, and this was to continue over future years.
It was an interesting design in as far as it possessed large patio type openings down one full length of the pool, and was ideal for sunbathing.
331/3yards long by 10yds, it held 120,000 gallons circulating 27500 gallons per hour. The first Baths Manager was Mr George William Burt, and joining him was his son Mr Charles Burt, who helped by lifeguarding in the busy times, and teaching in the quiet times. Charles was to set an example with swimming and lifesaving prowess throughout the County of Berkshire... and Nationally, including a high ratio of youth work and schools swimming. Charles was a highly regarded consultant on all aspects of aqua sport including Mens and Ladies Water Polo.
Many National champions emerged from the pool to Charles credit, and boasted both a swimmer Sandra Keen and a diver Billy Wood representing Great Britain in the 1960 Olympic Games. In 1965, Mr Charles Burt was granted a Recognition of Services Award by Earl Mountbatten.
