Pool still attracts all ages

Press, 2 November 1984, Page 10

Pool still attracts all ages

During its long career, and despite recessions, waxing ana waning interests,' and the latest name change, the St Albans (now Edgeware) swimming pool has attracted young and old alike.

The children pictured attending the opening carnival of the pool are still swimming — perhaps more slowly now, but still keeping going a community asset which depends on local support for its survival. Those children, in 1934, are now in their 60s, 70s or 80s but they continue their involvement with the St Albans club through the formation of the Masters Swimming Club. A nucleus of 10 keen

members swim regularly and help with various club activities, and some help teach youngsters on Saturday mornings. Among the group are Mrs Myrtle Stewart, who holds a New Zealand masters record; and Mrs Dorie Venning, who won a gold medal at the Masters International held in Christchurch in April this year. The Saturday morning training times are not just lessons, says Mrs Venning. “We teach them all sorts of things, from water skills, to turns, diving, life-saving, and generally have a lot of fun,” she said. Much of the attraction for older people who join in

masters events, or who simply swim for the love of it, is that it is relaxing, good for health, and there is good companionship with other swimmers, says Mrs Venning. Swimmers wishing to join the masters club must be more than 25 years old, although there is theoretically no upper age limit. Mrs Venning is still very active even although she is 83 years old. Another original member of the St Albans club who still swims is Mr Bob Meyer, who can remember the early days of the pool’sexistence when it cost children one penny and adults threepence for a swim. Despite the low entry fee,

.Mr Meyer recalls a sweltering day when the pool was so popular the gate takings for the day were £l4. “You could have walked across the heads of the people in the water,” he said.

The pool is unique in Christchurch in that it is the only one to retain the old imperial measurements, instead of changing to metric. It is 33 and one third yards long, which is an ideal length for swimmers wishing to break mile or 100 yard records. No other small suburban pool in Christchurch is 7ft 6in at the deep end. This feature is especially important for water safety

lessons, as it puts the pool into the deep-water category.

The Royal Life-Saving Society, the Underwater Diving Club and the Arawa Canoe Club, who all use the pool, find the extra depth valuable.