Slough – Baylis Lido 1965 – finding lidos
A beautiful Lido ready for the Community of Slough.
Baylis Lido
Slough Baylis Lido nestled in parkland, and both were an oasis amongst surrounding industry.
Building the Lido. Just 4 months later, after the Lido had been set back by inclement weather. Will expand
Slough Baylis Lido had a windy day with leaden skies to greet it on the first opening. The weather didn’t deter a least a 100 children clammering at the turn stile to rush in. They were eager for their first sample of the wonderful lido. Someone however had beaten them to it. There was evidence. A suspicious shirt was found floating in the water!
Excited children recorded in the Slough Observer 28th May 1965. Will expand.
Altogether 170 children crowded through the turnstiles – there were no problems except for the bedlam of noise and the handling of the money!
The Slough yelling hord came up against two strict taboos – no flippers and no jumping off the highboard.
Apart from a gentleman who jumped from the higboard three times in succession the session was taken over by children until later in the afternoon. Adults then dared to take their chances! Slough Lido saw 952 bathers by the end of the day.
The Slough Baylis Lido was opened a year later than anticipated. The pool once key shaped with pool facilities for children, had had a massive face-lift.
Now rectangular – it was heated maintaining the temperature at 70 degrees. A modern filtration plant and scum channel had been installed and the water could be changed in 3-4 hours.
Apart from sun bathing lawns, lots of paving surrounded the Lido and swimmers entered using footbaths. There were facilities for taking a hot shower before and after bathing. A major bonus was that all major swimming and diving events, and other galas could be held.
Mayor of Slough centre thanking the Lord Lieutenant to his left. Chairman of the Parks Committee to his right. Will expand.
The official Opening Day Ceremony of the Slough Lido included VIPS the Lord Lieutenant of Bucks. He was accompanied by Brigadier Sir Henry Floyd who opened the Lido. They praised the Council’s Enterprise. The Mayor of Slough Alderman Andrew Brand and Councillor Arthur Simpson, Chairman of the Parks Committee were also in attendance. They all enjoyed a swimming and diving display.
The first dive was from the Olympic representative Billy Wood – pride of Slough. He was joined by Jennifer Robb, Richard Lacey, John Shilton and Kathy Rowlatt. Later Slough had learned that it had won the Brickett Trophy for the Southern Counties at its first attempt. 570 of its young swimmers had gained the Junior Swimming Awards during the year.
An Accolade:
A International Competition for Lidos was held in Las Vagas. The Slough Lido was honoured as the third top swimming pool. It was a bronze medal surprise for Slough Council that their pool had gained international recognition. Keen competition from all over the world had been in contention. It had attracted entries from Australia, the far east and Canada. The Lido was designed by Mr John King, Borough Engineer for Slough.
Slough Baylis Lido. A typical Swimming Certificate from the Lido. Will expand.
The Lido was a sparkling, beautiful well kept Lido with many surrounding sun bathing lawns and flower beds. It was an oasis amongst surrounding industry and… a wonderful “day out.
Baylis Lido – Slough, in its glory. Will expand.
OUTCOME: Despite a kiss of life in 1987 when in 1986 only 15,000 went through the turnstiles. The council spent £60,000 on Slough Baylis Lido on vital repairs. Due to heavy costs, serious leaking and more falls in attendances the Lido was doomed. Despite many more reprieves the pool finally closed in 1988. There were a lot more leisure facilities becoming available in the town. A new indoor pool was built before closure of the Lido – the Montem Sports Centre.
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Baylis Lido Slough reverts to nature
Now… nowhere to go on a hot day. Broken up, and uncared for.
After only 23 years this wonderful Lido – Baylis Lido Slough closed. agj 1995
The Slough Baylis Lido site is now a walled Parkland with Memorial Gardens.
The Lido site today. agj
Taken 2010
Outline of Slough Baylis Lido clearly visible to the right of Baylis House
Such happy days there. My two brothers and I used to go there so much with our friends. We met John B, another lifeguard, there. Learnt to swim and dive. I never had enough courage to go off the top board but was so impressed by those who did. I remember your mum too Nicky – I went to school with you I think.
My sister took me there when I was little.
Rubber band wrist bands for lockers and cold changing rooms…lol.
Great and happy memories
Thank you Adrian. Yes, Slough Lido was gorgeous.
Anne: Yes, it was a gorgeous Lido. Thank you Adrian
This was my childhood. I wagged school to go. I was taken there as a baby and would ride my chopper from Langley.It really hurts to see it gone. It really cuts me deep with emotion because every time I was there it was amazing . Diving in and lying on the hot slabs,and there was a great little pool with dome fountain under the arch with swings. Had my first kiss there, had a lot of firsts there. Sometimes the water was cold so would lie in the foot baths lol. Had a lovely little shop that sold hot dogs. Even queuing up was fun.Scampi crisps. I wish I could go back.Thank you mate for the research. My dad built that Vince Power, be lucky what a different place and time that was. Everyone slates Slough, I remember an amazing Slough with decent people.
My mum worked at the Lido for 17 years as a lifeguard, Rita Sweeney, I spent my childhood at the Lido. I have some wonderful memories of my growing up there. Billy Woods mum taught me to swim. Billy along with my mum started a synchronised swimming club, and we put on shows at the Lido and other pools.
Editor Anne: Oh yes I new them well and Richard Dixon the Manager. Took all my kids there.