Thrapston Swimming Pool
1972 - 2004
Thrapston Swimming Pool
Opening
Thrapston Swimming Pool was built on Market Road, in 1971, the cost being raised by public fundraising and opened in 1972.
The official opening on 25th March 1972 was performed by Mrs D P Oxenham, Chairman of Northamptonshire County Council.
A plaque was presented on 13th June 1976 to thank Mr David Joseph Prior for his work in raising funds.
Pat Green
In 1983, Mrs Pat Green started work teaching schoolchildren to swim, a task she continued up to the closure of the pool.
Duncan Goodhew
1992 marked the visit of Duncan Goodhew, preparatory to the first Swimathon event in Thrapston in 1993.
Graham Stainton
Also in 1992, a lifeguard, Graham Stainton, died on his way to work in a road accident – a popular man, his passing was commemorated with the placing of a plaque in Reception, the cost of which was raised by pool users.
Charity Collections
By the time the pool closed, over £1000 had been raised in the Arthritis Care Charity box, a total beyond the organiser’s wildest expectations. Thanks to all contributors.
Fond Memories
Many have enjoyed the facility over the last 32 years. There were still some regular swimmers in 2004 who remember coming to the pool when it opened.
It maybe wasn’t the smartest pool in the world, but there was always a warm and friendly welcome.
Eric Franklin
This page was added on 25/05/2014.
Copyright Thrapston Heritage. Website by CommunitySites
Comments about this page
I worked as a Life Guard, and later attendant, at the pool in the early 1980s.
IIRC David Wilkie attended a sponsored swim event at the pool during this time.
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