Pool plea for your memories
ASOUTHPORT gym is asking residents to get in touch with their memories of learning to swim in its historic building.
The owners of Victoria Leisure Centre want to hear from as many people as possible whose first experiences in the water took place there.
They want to compile these memories, and others of the leisure centre, into an online book and wall mural in the pool area to showcase the unique history of the Promenade building.
The building, which was previously a Turkish baths then a squash club, was taken over by Wally Birch 30 years ago.
As part of the appeal, the gym is awarding at least 10 memberships prizes for nonmembers and members’ top winning stories and memories of Victoria.
Victoria director Peter Birch said: “There are several generations in and around the Southport, West Lancashire and Formby areas which will have evocative memories of learning to swim.
“In 1877, local people were learning to swim on the promenade at the splendid Grade II listed building of the original Victoria Baths.
“Over 140 years later, the building is still helping hundreds and hundreds of children and adults learn to swim every year. The original birdie bath is still being used with its 3ft depth and warm temperatures, with friendly, relaxed instructors, before they gravitate to the main pool as a fully able swimmer.
“For young children and babies, there is also the learner pool for those very first ‘easy kicks and splashes’ in familiarisation to the water and surroundings.”
Email victorialeisure@hotmail.co. uk.