Surbiton Lagoon-1934. A showpiece of its time
Above shows the packed Surbiton Lagoon
New Lagoon Takes the Plunge. The lovely Surbiton Lagoon. When is a swimming bath not a swimming bath?
‘When it’s a Lagoon! ‘
The calming Lagoon saw a large gathering joining in the celebrations in May 1934 as Mr H.S. Durbin JP performed the opening. The Lagoon had in fact been open since April!
Following the speeches, children from local schools jumped in and swam across the lido, followed by a demonstration by Miss Ivy Hawkes, the successful channel swimmer.
Surbiton Lagoon
Mr W Downing also delighted the crowd with his fancy swimming. A lifesaving display grabbed the spectators followed by a skilled diving display by members of Highgate Diving Club. A Water Polo Match was thrashed out between two teams from the Empire Swimming Club. The whole affair was a good enjoyable Wednesday evening.
Monday to Friday, adults were charged 6d for a swim and children 3d. – from 06.30 to sunset, except when romantic floodlighting of the Lagoon came into operation. Weekends also saw fun from the diving boards and chutes, toddlers splashing around in their own pool, with sun worshippers occupying the terraces near the south walls, spending blissful lazy days, work put right behind them.
There was a slight problem when the council were endeavouring to find a unique name for their prized swimming lido. This fine expanse of water continued to live up to “The Lagoon’, the pride and joy of all it’s thousands of patrons through the years.
The 80’s began to experience costing problems. Petitions after petitions were in force to save the Lagoon.
Surbiton Lagoon. Britain from above.
The Lagoon was built on 2.5 acre site in Raeburn Avenue. The bath was a showpiece . The stepped terrace held thousands of spectators at swimming and water polo events.
OUTCOME: After closing in 1979 for repairs…
Parkland Pool site
…it was left into even more disrepair. It was left to rot for 10 years. There were attempts at giving the loved Lagoon a face-lift. Despite efforts of reprieve the turnstiles finally came to a standstill, and the local resident’s saw the removal of their former paradise. The treasured memories will survive.
The site of the pool back in 2000s was pretty grass/parkland. Once an aqua blue oasis. Hard to believe. Today flats are built over the site.
Surbiton Lagoon…Wiki History A few more images of the lovely lively Lagoon
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Exactly my thoughts Lisa. My sister lived very close by and used the facility often. So sad, but… internet was scarce then. The hopes of immediate campaign set up tools to help save? was not available as is today. Thank you for writing.
Looking at historical information and photographs of our local areas is so interesting. My partner’s infectious desire to find out more about Surbiton and the surrounding areas has undoubtedly transferred onto me. We have been looking at the old Surbiton Lagoon in particular and it is astounding that such a huge positive influence on the lives of families and children is no longer there to see, with all of its foundations well and truly buried. I wonder how many people walk over that piece of land, not realising what lay there before.
I look forward to finding out more.
I am in love with this the story ,it has touched deeply in my inner self. I went to look for it months ago till my partner found more information on line , this article included.
I been living in the area for 25 years . I would love to dig the Lagoon out back by myself if I could and see all those happy families and children enjoying the beautiful, simple joy that life has to offer us every day but mostly ignored.
Re Surbiton Lagoon. I lived on Surbiton Hill Park & went to school at Grand Avenue school from the age of 6 – 9 in 1956 – 59. I and friends used to go to the Lagoon after school and in school holidays. The Lagoon was very cold in summer & freezing in winter. I got warm after swimming by buying Hot Bovril drinks & eating Ginger cake from the Cafe/Kiosk. I don’t know what the lower age limit was for entry without a parent but we seemed to be able to get in. We started to teach each other how to swim. Wonderful times. Luckily I moved to Hong Kong after that & the open air swimming pools there were a bit warmer, all year round!!