This art deco Pool is the only functioning 55 yards filtered heated sea water open air facility known to survive in the United Kingdom.
It was first opened by local public subscription in June 1934, when the townsfolk showed remarkable foresight in building it to full Olympic standards.
Massively patronised from the 30's to the 70's with attendance figures reaching 65,000 annually, its popularity dwindled in the 80's as people tended to seek holidays abroad. With attendances dropping to under 15,000 and its fabric showing its age, its was earmarked for closure by the Council in 1994.
This threat, however, saw the formation of the "Friends of the Pool", a local conservation body dedicated to saving it.
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the pool and when I found out it was currently closed, I spoke to the locals and asked for permission to take photos.
My first question:
"Is it empty?"
So off I went on a lovely sunny afternoon to meet the old men from the "Friends of Stonehaven" who are currently making it look pretty again for its birthday.
They were sooo cute, reminded me of Jack & Victor off Still Game....
It was first opened by local public subscription in June 1934, when the townsfolk showed remarkable foresight in building it to full Olympic standards.
Massively patronised from the 30's to the 70's with attendance figures reaching 65,000 annually, its popularity dwindled in the 80's as people tended to seek holidays abroad. With attendances dropping to under 15,000 and its fabric showing its age, its was earmarked for closure by the Council in 1994.
This threat, however, saw the formation of the "Friends of the Pool", a local conservation body dedicated to saving it.
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the pool and when I found out it was currently closed, I spoke to the locals and asked for permission to take photos.
My first question:
"Is it empty?"
So off I went on a lovely sunny afternoon to meet the old men from the "Friends of Stonehaven" who are currently making it look pretty again for its birthday.
They were sooo cute, reminded me of Jack & Victor off Still Game....
