Swanswell Pool, White Street

Strolling past the Swanswell recently (on Google Earth street view) reminded me of times around 70 years ago when, for a rare treat, I was allowed to hire a pedal boat at a cost of around tuppence for fifteen minutes. I say a rare treat as tuppence was money we could ill afford in those days (and with no "elf & safety" to worry us). Afterwards I would stand with my mum on the pavement looking through the railings at the big fish, (carp I think) that used to swarm around an inlet pipe that I think came from the old mill. What I would like to know is, are there still fish in the Swanswell to this day or are they like most things, ie. disappeared?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/andymcgeechan/532390051/ Looks like there were still some left in 2007. I don't really think the "Eastern Europeans" in Hillfields have eaten them all as one of the comments suggests.

Thank you BrotherJoybert for leading me to the fish photos, I was amazed to see they are still there. And as for the suggestion that certain people may have eaten them. Well! as if they would.

Not old enough to remember boats on the Swanswell but do remember fishing for tiddlers with a butterfly net and keeping them in a jam jar with string tied around the top for a handle. Also remember the section of the pool which was fenced-off to allow fire engines to fill up and the playground with that dragon ride thingy which used to rock up and down.

Am pleased to report that Quinton Pool in Cheylesmore still has fish: http://www.youtube.com/v/ua0TGDaO3-Q

I remember the Swanswell, I remember it very well, because I fell in one day and when I got home my mum gave me the biggest hiding I had ever had, it still hurts today HA HA HA. Peter.

My mothers shop was located in White St. I often waited for a lift home there walking from the Grammar School. It was very pleasant to sit in fair weather afternoons & complete my homework before I reached home. Shops did not shut until 6pm in those days, except Thursdays which was half day closing. Does anyone remember the Milk Bar Cafe? Only a few doors away from my mum's shop.

I was raised in George St for a while during my early childhood. I remember the "Bon Bon" sweet shop on the corner of Stoney Stanton Rd and Harnall Lane. It was there for years!

When I was a Coventry kid if any one was asked where they would be going for their holidays, and they really couldn't afford it, they would say "St Marks Bay" Ring any bells ?

Hi Philip, I don't remember the Milk Bar Cafe but my uncle had a carpet shop in White St. called 'Lewis Parsons' which moved to New Union St. after the demolition. I wonder if there are any old photos which show it. On another point referring to a previous posting on this string, like Dutchman I too used to fish for tiddlers in Swanswell Pool during the summer hols and put them in a jam jar! (either there or Hearsall Common - the 'bushy' one as it was known)

Hi Wearethemods, Hi & thank you. There are some pictures of White St. on the library pictures page: The pictures include both my aunt's & my mum's shop, but my mum's shop had been taken over on a short lease & had been modified at the front by 1959. I seem to remember the milk bar cafe, on a corner. It only stands out in my memory because I had my first ever milk-shake in there. Can anyone else help on this please.

Which corner Philip? I have a picture dated 1950 which says White Street/Norton Street and one White Street/Bird Street, any good?

Hi Annewiggy, I wish that I could remember. The only bit I can really remember was the milk shake. On another occasion I enjoyed a knickerbocker glory, which was also a new one on me. Funny that it is the food bit which I can remember, hey! There was a big blue sign hung fairly high over the entrance which just said milk bar cafe. My memories are from 1954 to 59. Hope you ok & keeping cool. I hope to be meeting a forum friend today for Friday fish & chips, maybe in the open. It's funny, hey. When I was younger, I always wanted to be older. Now that I am older and very clapped out, I want to be younger. Eating fish & chips in the open today may get me back to being twelve again. Best wishes to you. ps Meeting on bus, as you would expect, even though it may well be out in the sticks!

I will put the pictures of White Street I have on street views anyway when I find out how to do it and it is not so hot in the room where my computer is and when we are not so busy. We have also been travelling today. the first day on a 3 in 7 day rover on the heart of England Network. Had a nice day in Hereford and came back via Birmingham New Street.