Copyright AGJ and Contributors 2004/08. Updated 30/3/2008
at the inauguration of the new Swimming pool on Central Beach. Despite the rain, a crowd of 2,000 spectators witnessed the unique method of the opening of a pool.
As a seaside resort, once a fishing village the stretch of beaches became a watering place second to none on the east coast.
between The Jetty and the “Sailors Home.”
It was rectangular with a length of 300 feet and width of 75 feet. The depth varied from two and a half feet to eight feet at the diving end. A portion of the pool at the shallow end was covered with white glazed tiles, the remaining surface being cement rendering worked up into a fine finish. 100 dressing boxes lined the north, west and south sides, and seating accomodation for 1000 spectators were built onto the east side.
Due to tremendous popularity, 1961 saw the reburbishment of the Marine parade pool. After a £78,000 improvement scheme, a weekend in June saw the lidos first swimmers. The pool boasted a new aqua-show entrance, three shops, and a first class cantilevered diving stage consisting of two 3 metre and a five metre board. Four large plate glass windows provided plenty of light for the terraced seating, with the commentators and press box occupying the
centre of the terracing.
Mosaics played an important feature around the walls, giving vibrancy to the overall decor of the pool. The Manager sat with pride in his office, surveying the scene continuously through his sliding plate glass windows. Brightly painted blue steps, new scum troughs and lamp standards completed the scene.
The lido was a magnificently set stage “for performance.”
Yarmouth Lido
Opened 1922
Great Yarmouth
The Mayor, Alderman Knight, divested himself of the pomp of office and won a 35 yards swimming race against the Chairman of the Beach Committee Alderman Bayfield
