Activities to celebrate 50th anniversary of city baths

FIFTY years after it first opened its doors, a special programme of activities has been organised to mark the golden anniversary of Chapeltown swimming baths in Sheffield.

First opened on December 9, 1961, purely as a swimming pool, the baths now provides facilities including a gym and sauna.

It also plays host to swimming lessons for 12 local schools, and more than 1,000 schoolchildren each week learn to swim there.

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The baths has been home to Chapeltown Amateur Swimming Club since 1961, as well as the Chapeltown Sub-Aqua Club and South Yorkshire Diving Academy.

A round of council spending cuts threatened Chapeltown baths with closure in 1995, but the building was saved by the local community who established it as a not-for-profit community-run business. Funding now comes from bodies such as Sheffield Council and Ecclsfield Parish Council, as well as through constant fundraising.

To celebrate its 50th anniversary, events are being held including a sub-aqua try dive on Sunday, August 25, which includes the chance to have an underwater photograph taken.

A water-based It’s A Knockout-themed event will take place on Sunday, September 25, and a children’s swimming gala will be held on Sunday, October 9.

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A 60s party night will also be held on Friday, December 9 to mark the official opening date.

Kath Burgess, chairman of the baths volunteer board of directors, said: “Fifty years is a magnificent achievement and we felt we must mark the occasion with events that would recognise all aspects of the community we serve.

“Keeping the baths running is no small feat. Pools are expensive items and it’s housed in a 50-year-old building which needs a lot of maintenance.

“We are only here today by grace of the many hours of time and effort the volunteers from the community continue to put in.”

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She added: “I’m often approached by people who share their fond memories of the baths and it would be wonderful to display these as part of the celebrations.

“Also, we know when the official opening took place, but we want to know the date when it was first open to the public.”

To contact Ms Burgess, call Chapeltown swimming baths on 0114 2570354.