First in on a Saturday morning

Nearly every kid I know went to Kingstanding Baths as the ‘free pass’ allowed us in every day, sometimes twice! We started going in about 1978 and went about 3 times a week, sometimes more. I loved being the first one in on a Saturday morning when the water was completely still and the changing rooms were spotless. The toilets were ALWAYS daggy though! I learnt to swim in the small pool and remember passing the exam to transfer into the bigger pool. Wow! Brilliant times and such a fantastic facility for kids and a chip-shop nearby for the essentials after a few hours splashing. I went to Warren Farm Primary and did my swim and life-saving badges in both the pools. The working-mens’ club was next door and we always marvelled at the acts advertised as we had never heard of any of them – ha ha. I’m sure a few famous people must have played there!? Great staff who were always fair and kind to the kids and we did play up quite a bit. Fond memories.