Getting in the swim - remembering pool openings and fun in the water

Children enjoying the sun at Broomhill Pool, Ipswich in 1980 (Image: Archant)

Today we are looking back at swimming fun around the area over the years, with photos from the 1960s, 70s and 80s.

Bury St Edmunds swimming pool opens in May 1967 (Image: Archant)

Our gallery shows the excitement as a number of new pools opened for the first time, including school pools, where pupils had been eagerly watching the preparations.

Kelvedon Primary School opening its new swimming pool in May 1976 (Image: Archant)

There are also memories of openings of public pools in Stowmarket, Woodbridge and Bury St Edmunds.

The opening of Deben swimming pool in Woodbridge in 1973 (Image: Archant)

And there are photos of youngsters soaking up the sun in Ipswich's much-missed lido, Broomhill. Work to restore the pool has been delayed due to coronavirus.

The opening of Laxfield School's swimming pool in June 1964 (Image: Archant)

Swimmers are hoping they will soon be able to get back in the water, with the earliest dates for outdoor pools to open as March 29 and indoor pools from April 12 under the government's roadmap.

Bildeston pupils enjoying the new swimming pool at their school in July 1985 (Image: Archant)

If these photos bring back memories, email judy.rimmer@archant.co.uk

To order photos, visit our website or call Diane Townsend on 01603 772449.

Hot weather at Broomhill Baths, Ipswich, in August back in 1975 (Image: Archant)