THIS year would have marked the 75th year of the Verdin Brine Baths in Winsford.

Situated in Rilshaw Lane, the baths were an integral part of leisure in the town for more than 30 years until a series of bad summers and a growth in population led to their demise.

Here Winsford historian Bob Curzon, 62, of Princess Street, shares his childhood memories of the much-loved swimming pool.

“One of the most pleasurable pursuits we would have while growing up in the 1950s was visiting the baths along Rilshaw Lane.

“The season usually began in May through to September, and at Wharton schools, we would, weather permitting, march every week along Ledward Street with trunks and towels underarm to the baths.

“The May opening was eagerly awaited and when it was a particularly warm night we would climb the fences for an illegal night swim.

“The baths were commissioned by the Winsford Urban District Council complete with tower and in 1937 part of the Coronation ceremony celebrations were held at the venue where adults paid 3d for entry and children 2d.

“Among the events were the men’s two lengths, first prize 10/- (50p), and the plate diving competition where a plate was retrieved from the deep end which was 6ft.

“On approaching the baths off Station Road you would hear the cheering well before you reached them. The pay kiosk was in the centre; the men went to the right and the women to the left for the changing rooms. The school changing rooms were around the back of the baths under the stand. The showers were located near the lockers with private slipper baths opposite.

“Bill Manley was the attendant for years in the 50s and 60s. He would take the water temperature every day and chalk it on a board in the tower. It always felt like the Arctic Ocean nevertheless.

“The baths cafe was adjacent to the tower owned by Bessie Griffiths, complete with juke box. There were stands all round and a large fountain picnic area was situated at the back of the diving board and also around the back with the flashes further town the bank. There was also a training pool by the shallow end.

“The school galas were very popular with keen rivalry between Winsford and Middlewich schools. The baths were seemingly a town institution forever but things don’t seem to work like that.

“The population rising from a steady 12,000 to 30,000 with the overspill, and new housing surprisingly didn’t help its fortunes, bad summers didn’t help and by the early 1970s the baths were no more than a white elephant and they closed, though happy memories stay forever.

“The baths stood approximately where the bridge goes over the Station Road by-pass.”