Swimming pools & swimmers

I swam at Livingstone in the 80's and John (?) suggested I try out the city squad so from 1989-1996 I swam for the City of Coventry, I have some brilliant memories, especially from the many road trips. Up until I had my children I still swam for Nuneaton Masters and enjoyed lots of open water swimming ... I have missed it loads over the last few years. Leanne

That was the Kenpas swimming pool, later known as 'Oasis'. Another one was the Ryton Hotel.

I'm guessing that the John (?) you refer to would be John Hughes as he was running Club nights at Livi at that time. I have been involved with the Club since 1982 and have enjoyed it immensely. Also, as you have swum for Nuneaton Masters you probably know the Calvert family.

John Clamp is another possibility.

Ah yes - I know the Calverts!! In fact Ruth is married to the brother of a friend of mine!!

Julie worked for me at Caludon Castle School when I ran lessons there for City of Coventry. She was one of my swimming Teachers(and very good she was too). I remember Ruth, Ryan, Katie and Bob (dad) as being an extremely pleasant family. Julie's dad Geoff Gillet also swam at Nuneaton, he was good fly swimmer if I remember rightly.

I learnt to swim at Livingstone baths in the 1950's, we went from Stoke Secondary school once a week, In the summer months we went to Gosford baths.One memory was after each session I brought myself a hot cup of Bovril. Those were great times. coundon12.

You might know Debbie Dalton then too? She teaches at Caludon now, a good friend of mine. When I left to have my son they were all still swimming there. I have vivid memories of sharing a lane with Geoff, I was forever bruised from his kicks and wallops - he needed a lane of his own! Leanne

I don't know Debbie I'm afraid, however that is probably because it has been many years since I was there. I can understand Geoff needing a lane of his own, when I saw him swim at Cally his style could be described as "exuberent".

There was another pool known locally as "Gosford Pool". Imagine it had a fancy name. The access point was off the Walsgrave Road near the railway bridge, just a short trip along side the railway line embankment. The pool backed onto the houses near the railway line in the Binley Road.

My aunt n uncle used to run the refreshment stall at the pool side and also ran the general store on Kingsway/Dean Street

My husband reckons there was another one in Green Lane called something like 'The Oasis'?

Yes, the name was changed in later years from 'Kenpas Swimming Pool' to Oasis. It has also been discussed here.

I always thought that Gosford pool was a horrible place but very busy on a nice day. Kenpas always seemed very sterile and cold looking, which it was. The best outdoor pool was Ryton, small but very appealing to all age groups.

I dunno about that advert 'heated water - fit to drink'