Here are some memories of the swimming pool from Mrs M Smith PE staff 1974-1997 plus supply for a few years after.

When I first encountered lessons in the pool, the temperature of the water had to be over 65deg F before the students were allowed in. This is pretty cold by today’s standards, so it wasn’t surprising that “sick” notes flooded in . Sorry girls, I hope I am forgiven. Maybe you have taken up”wild” swimming on account of the experience.

By the early 80’s a heating system was installed making lessons much more acceptable. Every day we offered the pool for lunch time swimming and the lists were generally full agreat social occasion as well as a time for extra team training. On those lovely sunny days many staff would enjoy their lunch by the pool.

We had some excellent swimmers , many of whom trained with outside clubs. We entered local galas and had matches with other schools. On one occasion we made it to the National Relay Finals . We were the only state school there and did ourselves proud although we didn’t win.

In the early days there was a wooden diving frame which was greatly enjoyed by the girls. Eventually it was removed — health and safety.

On another occasion— in the early 90’s — a group of swimmers had prepared a display as part of an evening for students and parents at the end of the year 11 leaving day. Oh horror, by 5 o’clock the water had turned green. !! Maybe now, the year 11 girls who raided the chemistry lab , would like to own up !!!

Our memories are now buried beneath the 6th form block.
May you all enjoy swimming to a ripe old age.

M .Smith PE.