A dip into history

A century of swimming will be celebrated in Royton on Friday — exactly 100 years since the public baths opened.

The Park Street pool has spawned some extraordinary amateur swimmers, from the legendary water polo teams to individual stars.

The original pool cost £8,000 and opened in 1910 with a main pool, changing cabins around the edge and slipper baths and a laundry.

The opening celebrations included a swimming gala and an exhibition of “fast swimming” by Henry Taylor — the Chadderton Olympian who won three gold medals.

The 1910 staff included the superintendent and matron, man and wife, who oversaw the baths and were paid 34s (£1.70p) a week.

Over the years the pool has seen several refurbishments and modernisations, a major one in 1962 when the pool was re-glazed, cabins replaced by seats, modern lighting and heating installed and a cafe opened.

Royton Leisure Centre, as it became, also closed in 2004 for 10 months for £137,000 pool roof repairs and a gable wall rebuild.

The water polo team was formed a year after the baths opened, but the First World War broke out three years later, so it was not until the 1920s that competitions began.

By the Second World War, Royton was at English Championship level, but there were six wartime fatalities among the members, and rebuilding the team had to begin again.

Present club secretary Michelle Flint said: “Royton Swimming Club has taught thousands of children to swim over the last 100 years and quite a few of our current members are the children and grandchildren of past members.”

“The water polo club was started again about eight years ago by Phil Higgins with a junior section and has gone on to produce Great Britain players in Joseph O’Regan, Ella Chadderton and Kate Lewis.

“As part of the centenary celebrations Royton have entered a senior team this year in the Bolton and District League with several of the past masters returning to play.

“These include Andy and Pete Darlington, Dave Wiggett, Dave Kipling, Mark Beverley and Richard Thomas, some travelling from as far away as Scotland to play in the matches.
“Royton Amateur Swimming and Water Polo Club is celebrating the centenary throughout the year and recently held a sportsman’s dinner which was attended by ex-swimmers and water polo players, some travelling from Bristol and Scotland to attend.

“There will be an invitation gala in September, a fun day in the summer, with duck races, and barbecue, and a ladies evening.

“If any former members wish to be involved in any of the celebrations they can call at the baths on a Thursday evening between 6pm and 8pm or on a Saturday afternoon between 2.30pm and 4.30pm.”