The opening ceremony took place on July 19, 1969, and included demonstrations of life-saving and synchronised swimming - as well as what is described in the programme as a 'comedy event' by British Railways Swimming Club! For more pictures from yesteryear, check out our retro section.

The pool was exactly 109 feet, 4 and 5/16th inches long and 42 feet wide in order to be capable of hosting international swimming events.
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The changing rooms included helpful tips -like not to leave your key in the locker - before swimmers had to step through a foot bath before entering the pool area
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Swimming cost 2s for adults or 2s, 6d at weekends. Spectators were charged 9d, whilst forgetful bathers could hire trucks for 1s (though they had to leave a 10s deposit)
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