Purley Way Pool – Ozone Seaside 1935
Purley Ozone Pool above. Bathing by Floodlight. enlarge + Croydon Public Libraries Stuart Bligh 1994. Lovely memory in comments section below.
Croydon’s Purley Way Ozone Pool. 1935 ‘Inland Seaside’ Stuart Bligh Croydon Public Libraries
Ozone treated Pool
This famous Purley ozone pool was opened by His Worship the Mayor, Alderman J. Trumble J.P. Saturday 20th July 1935 at 3.00pm.
U.S.A. Olympic Diving Champions Messrs. Pete Desjardins and Harold “Dutch” Smith gave a diving display to stun and thrill the crowds.
US Diving Champions came along to open the Pool 1935
The greatest divers of the time dive into this special unique Lido
What is Ozone?
Chemically it is Oxygen, each molecule of Ozone is made up of three atoms, two atoms only go to make up the molecule of Oxygen – it is the third atom that does the work.
As a sterilising agent its properties are well known and it is one of the most powerful oxydising agents known. Most people will recognise it by the fact the pool has a pleasant smell remembered so well from a visit to the coast. Imagination takes over as the sea dashes on the rocks and beaches, and the wind whipping the spray to a light foam.
Many National events took place at the Lido, and here we are witnessing an Interclub National Championship.
On the technical side facilities were such that National and International swimming and diving events could take place.
Motto: Sanitate Crescamus
Swimming brings into full action not only heart, lungs and muscles, but also that great organ the skin, whose eliminative, heat regulating and other more subtle functions we are just beginning to understand. It should also be borne in mind that the beneficial effect to the body of contact with water is immensely increased by the added effect of sunshine and the open air.”
Inland Seaside
The site occupied 4.5 acres and was cruciform in shape. Shallow areas were at each end and it’s major axis was 200 feet long by 70 feet wide . On it’s minor axis 100 feet long and 60 feet long. The depth of the water was 15 ft on one side and 6 ft 6″ on the other. The sides and floor were finished in smooth “Snowcrete”.
Croydon gave to their citizens ample provision of sun-bathing shingle beaches. These were suitably underdrained to be properly sterilised and drained. Just look at the wonderful wide open space in which it was set. In 1959 the beach shingle was replaced by coloured flagstones.
The Art Deco Cafe and Restaurant were to top this magnificent Lido.
Visitors also enjoyed an exhilarating paradise of underwater floodlighting Colourful illuminating lanterns cascading in polished green. A very romantic setting on those warm balmy summer evenings.
To think this beautiful scene would eventually turn into a garden centre?
OUTCOME: In 1973 urgent repairs were needed costing £8000.
Succombing to the dwindling of bathers, because of cheap package holidays abroad, the pool closed for good in 1979.
It was turned into the Wyevale Garden Centre which Cyril Fletcher duly opened in 1981. The famous diving stage still exists, bedecked with plants, flowers and advertising.
International Diving Stage. ASA Diving Manual 1937. Later to become English Heritage Listed
Historic Listing of Diving Boards – if you click here
The Listed Diving Boards were lovingly maintained and bedecked with flowers during the days the pool became the Wyevale Garden Centre.
Today below
Further Update:
The Wyevale Garden Centre has now closed, and has been sold to a property Developer.
As yet, do not know the fate of the Heritage Listed Diving Boards., but have been told that the swimming tank once full of flowers, and buildings are derelict. 06/09/20
Will expand to full view. The site of the pool – Waddon Way. Geo reference map 1949 – 70
GOING WAY BACK IN TIME….I HAVE BEEN THINKING BACK TO MY CHILDHOOD IN CROYDON. I WAS THREE YEARS OLD WHEN THAT POOL OPENED.
MY PARENTS MANAGED THE ‘OFF LICENCE’ JUST ACROSS PURLEY WAY FROM THE POOL. I HAVE SO MANY FOND MEMORIES OF THE YEARS THERE.
IT SO HAPPENED THAT IN THE 50S I WAS BACK IN THAT AREA, WORKING FOR FIELD AIRCRAFT SERVICES IN THE TERMINAL BUILDING AT THE AIRPORT AS SECRETARY TO THE MANAGING
DIRECTOR…..FULL CIRCLE!
I RECALL GOING TO THE OPENING DAY OF THE POOL AND ENJOYING ONE ACT…..THE LOG ROLLING CONTESTS!!!
I AM SURE THAT A NUMBER OF VISITORS TO THE POOL AT THAT TIME WOULD CROSS THE ROAD TO GET AN ICE CREAM FROM OUR SHOP!
HOPE THIS IS OF SOME INTERESTS TO YOU….
MARGARET EGAN _..NEE PEPPERELL
LIVING IN CANADA NOW.
Yes please add my memories to your comments section.It’s funny I was just telling my wife about my happy times at Croydon baths ,and thought I wonder what happened to them and bingo I found your article and pics it really took me back.You mentioned Purley baths I assume you mean the open air bath on the Purley way.Again many happy memories there in the hot weather of 1960s ,it was always packed when the sun was out it was job to find a space to put your towel down.it was always I bit nippy when you first braved the water but once in it was lovely.The deep end was very on account of the very high top board.it was definitely not for the faint hearted My best friend at the John Oldfied and I went up for a look once it was was frightening for me and I came down ,but John had no fear of the height at all an often dived off,I was always in awe of him we were only 13 or 14 at the time.Very few people dived off that top board ,when anybody went up there the whole place came to a standstill everybody watched and the driver got a round of applause ,it was uncanny. Of course in those days Crodon airport which was on the other side of the Purley Way opposite was closed but not yet built on it had a lovely old main entrance building which I think may still be there.Thanks once again and please free to contact me any timePeter
Purely by coincidence I have just got back from the ‘Purley Way Lido’. It is now derelict and a sorry sight. However I can confirm that the diving boards are still standing. I took some photos and its now just a question of how I download them to my PC. You see I used to work in Rockinghams G.C on a Saturday & Sunday many moons ago and I have some great memories of it. I used to be the Gardena rep. I am still in touch with Richard Hayward the owner before he sold it to Wyvales. We had a swimming pool near the Centre (not the main one) and on my last day there I slung Richard headfirst in to the pool much to the delight of the rest of the staff! There were more ‘Affairs’ going on with other female members of staff than there were on a ‘A’ list film set (yes I was one)
Anne: Yes thank you Alan. That was what went on at the Lido!
As I said earlier – great memories!
Stay safe,
Anne: Yes thank you Alan. That was what went on at the Lido!
Just to correct your editorial. The Lido was taken over in 1979 by Rockinghams Garden Centre and proved to one of the busiest in South East England. It was eventually sold to Wyvale Garden Centre group which, in turn, has now closed
Anne: Thank you for your added info. This is what I love.
My main worry is what is going to happen the the listed diving boards. Could you give an update as to the present status of the Purley Pool site.
Thank you in anticipation, Anne
Purley Way Lido Memories
“I was born in July 1970, in the furthest reaches of south London.
This might explain why I have always loved the months when the trees
are full, the flower beds are in bloom and the sun is high in the sky.
Some of my most abiding memories of childhood are our family summer
trips to the former Purley Way Lido, in the London Borough of Croydon.
This behemoth of Art Deco splendour was situated opposite the site of
the famous Croydon Aerodrome, where the likes of Amy Johnson and
Charles Lindbergh thrilled the waiting crowds. We would board the
single-decker 115 bus in Norbury, bound for this watery wonderland.
Anticipation was palpable, as we progressed down the A23. Today’s
Purley Way is nothing more than an artery for traffic and noise, but
in the early 70’s, it seemed to us a grand concourse, leading to the
promised land.
Alighting at Waddon Way, it felt like we had reached the end of the
line. That curious hinterland, where city meets countryside. The
skies seemed bigger, the grass greener and the air sweeter. Or so we
thought anyway. As we walked towards our destination, we started to
hear the cries and shouts of abandon. Then it appeared. The large
1930’s administration block stretched halfway down the road. A
reminder of a decade when architecture, art and design informed many
public buildings, most notably lidos. Rising up, phoenix-like, from
the centre of this view, was a three-tier diving platform. A conduit
to the heavens above.
We finally reached the turnstiles and with a clickety-clack we were
in. Participants in a world hidden from view, but accessed by those
in the know. Walking up the stairs, a panorama of blue light
enveloped us. Purley Way Lido was unusual in that it was a cruciform
shape. Cruciform Lido Purley Way It had shallow areas at both ends and a deep diving pit in the
middle. Everything about it was on a grand scale. The steps down
into the water were scalloped, like a 30’s Hollywood set. The
aerators were like the biggest water feature you’ve ever seen. On the
poolside, there were areas of paving, but by far the most attractive
feature, was the large area of grassland beyond. This is where we
always set up camp. So began a day of dips and drying, eating and
drinking. The glacial temperature of the water ensured all waterborne
sessions were brief, but the feeling of euphoria was like nothing
else. Cold water, under open skies, should be on prescription.
Sadly, as the day ebbed away and the sun lowered, thoughts of home
loomed. Bags were packed away, as were our memories, only to be
retold 40 years later.
The revival of interest in lidos and the realisation by local
authorities that having such an asset is something worth investing in,
came too late for Purley Way. But if you happen to be passing, take a
look amongst the lobelias and petunias. You might just find something
surprising rising up from the hardy shrubs. Close your eyes, take a
deep breath and smell that aquarian summer.” Opening Poster
Kind regards
Toby.
Via email
Hi again Anne. Can I just say that I really enjoyed reading the
article on your site about your diving career. Great photos too. You
certainly are a lido veteran. I’m sure you have the book by Janet
Smith called Liquid Assets? Perhaps you’re even in it? Did you ever
dive at Purley Way, Croydon, I wonder? I think the water there came
straight off of an arctic glacier! The same one that feeds Tooting
Bec! I’m sure you’ve seen the pictures of the old diving platform
that is still in situ at Purley Way, in the middle of a Wyevale garden
centre. I’m sure that still brings looks of amazement to the
uninitiated. I know that you did dive at Crystal Palace, which is
only about 3 miles away. Good to know that you sampled the delights
of south London and survived!
I have attached some photos that I took a few years ago of the old
derilict lido site, here in Sudbury, Suffolk. I just walked in one
cold, frosty morning. The gates were open. It was being used as a
council depot. It’s since been used as a bmx park, but that’s closed
now too. There are some pictures of the lido in use, back in the day.
If you search for Sudbury, Suffolk photo archive, I’m sure I’ve seen
some on the site. Perhaps you could add this old pool to your
database.
Pictures of Sudbury Lido Suffolk.
Fallen sign
Spectators area
Main entrance
Side entrance
Carved tablet of the Opening
Pool area
Regards
Toby
Had to look at the sister pool. This was a paradise. Wonderful open space. Unbelievable when you see the surroundings today.
Thank you for giving us the details of your site. very interesting. I have printed the pages for Purley Way Pool.” Christine. Librarian Croydon.