Foundation-Diving-Albatross-History
The First 14 years of Diving, laying the Foundation.  Now in its 54th year. 43rd year since forming Albatross.

The Foundation –  the very first competitive squad.
Andrew Dixon;  Lynne Crowther;  Suzanne Smith;  Paul Holton; Karen Ward;  Veronica Latto;

Foundation-Diving-Albatross-History

The Central Pool in Reading built in 1966 was a pool of the past from the end of January 2018 – a tribute.
In a sparkling new state of the art swimming pool with separate diving pool,  it was literally moments after the opening in 1967 that the  foundation and Albatross History of diving began.
An introduction to the sport creating the Foundation-Diving-Albatross-History was set up in within Reading Swimming Club – in fact…diving had begun in 1966 in public sessions before the  Official Opening Ceremony in 1967!  Courtesy of the Baths Manager,  the late Mr John Anstey. Thanks for his continuous support and interest.

Quick Touch Gallery – the beginning and history at a glance! covering through from 1966 to 2002 
( sadly the picture quality suffered producing pages online.)

‘Goodbye Our Friend Central Pool. The last swim and dive there was – 31/01/18’

This is my personal tribute to the  all Aqua Sports and Achievements, the thousands of children that learned to swim, to the Pool that bulged at the seams serving the Aquatic Stars in their important fixtures and the Community so well.

Also the Albatross divers, coaches, parents 1966 through to 2002 and beyond, to this present day,  and all those who came on board, who committed and helped continue the progress of the Sport of Diving in Reading.  (This history was a previous presentation in 2002 due to the threat of closure at that time). The pool survived for another 16 years however, and Albatross  had continued until today through many changes,  success’s  and commitments.

At present there has been no replacement pool since 2018.  The Club hires Abbey School pool where the coaches nurture the young chicks and give solid foundation training.  They have use of the club’s own dry gyms. The higher competitive divers with their coaches travel to Hemel, Southampton, Southend and the Aquatic Centre in London for their advanced training. Despite no home pool, National medals continue to wing their way home.

The introduction phase in 1966 and the forming of the Albatross Diving Club 12 years later in 1978, saw that by 1980 the divers had been formed into 3 solid Squads –  Low, High,Wings!
At this time…
Low members were performing at County and Club Events
High members performing up to National Age Group Events
Wings members were performing up to either official Great Britain Junior and Senior International, or friendly International Events.

Are you here?
1. Low Flyers
2. High Flyers
3. Wings

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A Thought
Paul C. Moore…‘I wonder what history they might find when they start digging down for the new flats.’

To Paul C Moore.
‘They’ll find the banner ‘Albatross Diving Club’ that went face down into the rubble of the diving pool basin. The diving pool was the last to go. Stood tall to the end!
I came when the pool opened and a large chunk of my life was spent coaching within the diving pool. It was one of the many reasons I and my family came to live in Reading.
During the 1990s I handed over to my son Malcolm Green who has done, and is doing, a stirling job along with his fellow coaches. They travel to UK events and those abroad, also in an officiating capacity.

I wish the Albatross Diving Club of Reading continuing success, and more excitement in the new pool when opened.  Anne Green Jessel – Life President.

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Our Divers of the Past on Facebook

A link to Lost Lidos –  Central Pool Reading

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