Photos of Witham

The opening of the swimming pool behind the Swan, 153 Newland Street, in 1933

Photographer: George Butcher, Taken: May 1933, Source: Colchester library, Ref: M232

The opening of the Witham Urban District Council’s outdoor swimming pool behind the Swan, May 1933.

Sitting on the front row to the right of the diver, left to right, are: W. W. Burrows, (large hat), Esmond Smith (no hat, dark-skinned), Gerald Bright (hands together), Sir Valentine Crittall (white suit; he performed the opening ceremony). Standing at the back to the right are Miss Hardcastle (tall, white hat), Mrs Hardcastle (the next to the right).

A gala and an exhibition water polo match followed, provided by clubs from Maldon and Braintree. Thereafter, Tuesday evenings were to be reserved for the Witham Ladies’ Swimming Club.

The pool closed in 1936 because of poor water quality, but after protest meetings it re-opened again until 1939.

See the Braintree and Witham Times, 13 November 1964, and 11 April 1969, when the fate of the empty pool was being discussed.

Photo M577 is another copy of this one. Photo M392 shows the empty pool in 1964. See also M610 and M611.

See the Braintree and Witham Times for 1st June 1933.

RefM232
PhotographerGeorge Butcher
Date takenMay 1933
SourceColchester library
RestrictionsCopyright Essex County Council. From the collection of Essex County Council Libraries at Colchester Library
Posted on Full size 2851 × 1997

Unless otherwise specified, photos are the copyright of the original photographer.

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