A baths where many of Manchester's schoolchildren learned to swim was a place where wonderful childhood memories were made.
Bradford Baths in east Manchester was built in 1909 and also referred to as Barmouth Street Baths and Washhouse. It was a place where people could swim - wash, dry and iron clothes - and even get a hot bath.
Many who used the baths from the 1950s through to when it was closed in the 1980s, remember it as the place where teachers took them every week for swimming lessons. It was there people remember the pool's terrifying - but much respected - instructor, blowing her whistle and stalking the poolside with a long white pole to fish out any floundering stragglers.
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When the baths and washhouse first opened, records show it had three separate swimming pools, over 60 baths and a public laundry area. In the 1950s, an indoor bowling green was added.
Recently, after images of people using the baths in the 1980s were posted to various Manchester history and nostalgia groups, many took to the comments to share their memories.
Paul Hopkinson said on the MEN's Greater Manchester History, Memories and People group that it was the place he first learned to swim, while John Campbell said "We were sent there from school at Littlemoss boys [school]".
On the We Grew Up In Manchester group, more people shared their favourite memories. Robert Holt said: "We lived on Barmouth Street near to Kenworthy's warehouse and went swimming here with Christ Church Primary School and learned to swim.
Money constraints permitting, a friend and I would go to a Friday night swim here." Robert added: "If we were really well off, we'd have a cream cracker along with a cup of Oxo."
Robert wasn't the only one who remembered savouring a hot drink at the baths after a swim. Carol Dobson posted: "Many happy days and memories here at Barmouth Street baths. I loved getting a drink of Bovril and a packet of potato puffs when I got dried and dressed".
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Meanwhile, Daniel Holdship posted: "Loved that place, learnt to swim there - we used the wash baths and my mam used the Laundry. I used to go two or three times a week during school holidays - I remember only me in. Then the Hot Oxo and cream crackers after. Wish I'd joined the swim club."
However, many posted saying their enduring memory of learning to swim at the baths was the poolside presence of a swimming attendant. No doubt, watching over groups of excitable schoolchildren took a firm hand, but people certainly respected her authority.
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Polly Heseltine, said: "Went to Barmouth street with St Bridgets - hail, rain or snow. Wet hair all day. Did my length certificate. I was scared of the instructor who walked along the edge, on the opposing side with a long pole, presumably to fish you out."
Norma Richardson, said: "Shet frightened the life out of me." Susan Grimshaw, posted: "OMG I remember her with the whistle and them long poles and the white floats".
She added: "I used to say to my mam - I like swimming [but] she is like the Gestapo. One day, one of my friends said to me I dare you to jump back in when she shouts everyone out blowing her whistle.
"Well I was excited all the lesson and kept getting out thinking 'now's my chance' because at the end of the lesson you had about five minutes to do what you wanted.
"Well I did it then I looked up everyone was on the side of pool. 'Get out girl!' She said, 'Didn't you hear me shout everyone out?' My reply, 'No miss, I couldn't hear you because of your whistle.' We didn't half laugh though."
Patsy Ryan recalled: "I went swimming there four or five times a week, I loved it. The lady who watched over us children was a wonderful woman; I loved her, everybody did".
Another feature of Bradford Baths was its launderette, but also it allowed people to get a hot bath when many homes at the time wouldn't have had the facility.
Lawrence Herring said: "Used to go after work on a Saturday afternoon in the mid '60s to the wash baths upstairs for our weekly soak. Ready for the weekend."
Do Bradford Baths awaken any memories for you? Let us know in the comments section below.
Meanwhile, Bernardette Mcloughlin posted: "I remember this so well. I remember going for a Sunday bath and having the laundry done as well - such good memories".
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