Lost Lidos Interactive. Dip in

Lost Lidos Interactive Crossword.  

Also I’ve written here about MY  ♥Lido Vision♥  – what’s YOURS?  Relax and dip in a world of Lidos in a Crossword !  It’ll take 5 seconds to load.

[crossword]

Lido Vision

An expanse of glistening blue water underneath azure skies with high woolly clouds. The sounds and sight of “water falling” spurting spilling and bursting over the tiered fountains.  The cries of kiddy joys as they hold out their cupped hands to catch the white frothiness, dotted with shining crystals.  Taking part in family frolics,  squealing and splashing.  Sharing the inviting picnics laid out over grassy mounds bordered with vibrant flowers. A sea of colourful sunbathers covering the lawns that surrounded the Lido.

Oh for those lost lidos

A day out to leave toils and worries behind and wallow in a small share of paradise. To meet and make new friends and experience many a romantic rendezvous in floodlit waters.

Oh for those lost lidos

The Lido era and boom mainly started before the days of war in the 30s – some alas met their early demise during the war, but many lived on for decades. An average Lido life lasted between 50 – 80 years. They were an escape from those dark days – paradises set inside the golden balmy days of summer. Around a lido the sun always seemed to shine.

Oh for those lost lidos

The lidos continued for many more years introducing famous events and personalities – to name a few – Miss World; Miss Great Britain; Cotton Queens and all kind of other Queens and Bathing Beauties. The film world LOVED the LIDO. Aquashows were the order of the day too. High diving and rhythmic swimming set inside a carnival spirit; following on with other festive displays and celebrations. Becoming “viral” and ending the day in party mood dancing to the live big bands of the day.

Oh for those lost lidos

We were hardy creatures in those days. No cheap flights and package holidays to the Mediterrannean.  No snugness of domestic central heating, but, as these temptations eventually lured the average family, then patronage of the lidos dwindled. Even as early as the 50s, holidays in Europe were becoming cheaper than train journeys to UK coastal resorts. Our lovely lidos were becoming unprofitable. At the same time they were reaching grand old age and were developing structural defects.

Oh for those lost lidos

The World Wide Web hadn’t then come into its own. The ease of emails and self printing were not available. The “Save our Lido” Campaigns of today were just not possible in those days. It would all have had to be done by time consuming  write it; lick it; stamp it and post it… compare this to en block emails of today. Meanwhile the black death of dereliction and abandonment crept in. Eventually these once glorious Lidos were gone forever

Oh for those lost lidos.

The same fate greeted many famous indoor baths too. My lido vision recalls architecturally outstanding buildings,  some since before the Victorian era,  became the scene for excited crowds. Fans foot stamping, cheering, shouting and clapping for their boy and girl heros. The walls bulged out with standing room only. Many emotions were spent inside some of these baths. Running high and low, see-sawing between disappointment and elation. World, national and district records were broken. Many famous swimming clubs were founded. BBC Television Galas were also very popular. Once razed to the ground there were many gaps to fill. Many have followed the same fate as the Lidos.

Oh for those lost lidos

One wonders if the World Wide Web had been invented in the days of the swimming stadiums, wonder pools, coliseums they could have been saved. Were they born too early!? They were not in the right place at the right time.

Oh for those lost lidos

Goodbye those lovely lost lidos and baths. With todays technology I believe the Lidos today that are linguering and threatened are beginning to come back! Their chances are much higher. The many campaigns to save them will make it all possible……..and with the coming again of cold water swimming too? fleeing off to Scandinavia or wherever as oppose to the Mediterranean…

…“it’s all turning an icircle! ”

Oh for those remaining lidos!

Anne G Jessel

“Is this in your Lido Vision!”

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