TV star joins battle to save iconic baths City-born actress backs action group’s fundraising campaign
FORMER EastEnders actress Annette Badland has joined a campaign to help Moseley Road Baths.
For Birmingham-born Annette, who played Babe Smith in the BBC soap opera and has appeared in numerous film, TV and radio programmes including Doctor Who and the Archers, learned to swim at the baths.
She visited the Grade II* listed building to support the Moseley Road Baths Action Group’s Crowdfunding campaign.
Annette said: “Swimming energises you, it’s a full body workout without strain.
“It relieves the tensions of life, is a joyous freedom and for me it all began at Moseley Road Baths 60-odd years ago and is a gift for life.
“Moseley Road Baths is an architecturally important and uplifting place to be.
“We must all do what we can to preserve it for future generations to enjoy, adding value and fun to their lives and giving Birmingham something to be very proud of.”
Next April the Action Group, which has formed a Community Interest Company (MRB CIC), will take over the running of the Balsall Heath baths from Birmingham City Council.
It needs to raise £75,000 to start operating the baths, paying for staff, eating and light- ing, and the crowdfunding is the first stage in raising the funds needed to ensure it has a fully trained team ready to go.
The Crowdfunder began on October 11 and is well on the way to meeting the first target of £10,000.
The CIC plans to operate the historic baths’ Number Two pool as a working swimming pool, and hopes, in partnership with others, to gradually re-open other parts of the building which have been closed for more than ten years.
The baths’ famous Gala Pool was closed in 2003, and its slipper baths was still used by local people for washing and bathing until 2004.
Karen Leach, chair of Moseley Road Baths Action Group, said: “The baths have just passed their 110th birthday and we need all the help we can get to make sure it’s not their last.
“Thanks to everyone who has already donated or spread the word to help save this beautiful pool.”
Birmingham City Council is working with the group to support its plans to operate the baths as a community run pool, and also with other heritage partners such as Historic England, National Trust and World Monuments Fund to plan for longer term renovation.
The Crowdfunding page can be found at http://www. c r o w d f u n d e r. c o . u k / s w i m - ming-for-the-future-of- moseley-road- baths