Willesden - King Edward VII Pool - image

Willesden – King Edwards Pool VII – 1911+ Indoor pool 1966

Willesden – King Edward VII Pool above during the 1920s. Thanks to Willesden Library Staff helping me browse and scan 1994. 

“Willesden – King Edward VII Pool where everyone goes on a Sunday!”

Willesden’s outdoor pool –  was Set in King Edward VII recreation ground, this pool was opened to the delight of Willesden residents in 1911.  It was architectually appealing with lots of timber construction.  It was built similarly to some pools of this era such as Gladstone Park

 

King Edward Outdoor Pool - image

Kings Edwards VII Outdoor Pool. Thanks to Willesden Library Staff helping me browse and scan 1994.

The swimming pool was 55 yards x 25 yds and varied in depth to 5ft. 10 inches. Because of the shallow depth there were only 2 firmboards at 2 metres and 1 metre height.  It also had a springboard set at half a metre.

Willsden's outdoor pool - image

Enlarge + The pool in the 1920s. Thanks to Willesden Library Staff  1994.


The pool had white glazed scum channels with a rendered swim base. The walls were painted each season in blue with black lanes. The dressing boxes started as a temporary scheme using a section of old cubicles and basket system.  These were surrounding the pool  and were used until 1960s.  Plans came to fruition for a new indoor pool at this time adjacent to the outdoor pool. The cubicle and basket system would be integrated into dressing rooms with the indoor pool.

50s picture of Willesden's outdoor pool - image

The Outdoor pool in the 50s Enlarge + Thanks to Willesden Library Staff 1994.

A chalet Cafe was provided until such times the 1960s plans came to fruition – in fact during foremost years to the plan it was demolished.   A temporary service van was hired until the indoor bath was built with integrated cafe facilities overlooking the pool.

The pool would steadily be updated and fall into plan through the years.

 The New Indoor Pool opened 1966

Spirit of Youth King Edward VII Pool - image

Outdoor Sculptor by Miss Freda Skinner – epitomising “The Spirit of Youth”  Open air Lido – (the modernised King Edward VII Pool)  to the left of picture.Thanks to Willesden Library Staff 1994

 

Alderman George Michael opened these baths on 1st October 1966. The new baths operated as a single unit with the open air pool. There were extensive terraces for sunbathing with, as planned, a cafeteria overlooking the outdoor pool.

The outdoor section contained a sculptor  by Miss Freda Skinner. This was a young girl with hair streaming in the wind – it epitomised the “Spirit of Youth.” The sculptor was one of six works commissioned by Willesden Borough Council

The opening of the new indoor pool 1966 presented displays of diving by International representatives within the seperate diving pool. E.g. John Miles, Trevor Simpson, Terry Erard, Robin Baskerville, Peter Squires (member of 160 Olympic Team), and Jack Case and Paul Sergent. The diving pool was built alongside the championship swimming pool […]

Read more…Gladstone Park Lido. An open air oasis in Dollis Hill

Linda Ludgrove, Diana Harris Commonwealth Gold Medallists gave demonstrations. There were also displays of canoing from the Welsh Harp Sailing Base, lifesaving from the Middlesex Branch R.L.S.S and other activities.

OUTCOME: The whole leisure centre underwent complete refurbishment with the addition of a wide range of sports facilities. The new leisure Complex opened in 2006. This flagship site comprises of state-of-the-art fitness suite;  exercise studio;  athletics track with grandstand,  indoor running tube;  two swimming pools;  sports hall;  dojo; and multipurpose rooms.  Sadly the outdoor pool was filled in and as such,   no further outdoor swimming.

The fate of the ‘Spirit of Youth’ Statue by Freda Skinner

 

The site of King Edward VII Pool. Geo reference 1949 - 1969 map - image

The site of King Edward VII Pool. Geo reference 1949 – 1969 map. Will expand to full view

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