SEEING the picture of Mollie Bateson (Memory Lane, October 19) brought back memories of Blackbird Leys swimming pool.

She taught me to swim in the late 1960s.

I was absolutely terrified of her! Her voice used to echo round the pool!

I did manage to pass my 75 yards eventually, although I’m still scared to go under water.

JULIE HAYNES
Drayton

MOLLIE Bateson, bless her. The Chief Constable of Oxford City Police, Clem Burrows, was keen that all his officers could swim, having regard to the number of rivers or canals in the city, in case someone needed saving.

Inspector Doug Downing, from the traffic department, took all probationers for swimming and lifesaving instruction at Temple Cowley baths.

At the conclusion, Mollie invariably was the final examiner or sometimes Bill Puddephoot.

Bill was strict in his observance, but Mollie scared me to death if she was officiating. But if you passed all the exams with either, you knew you were right up to the mark.

CHRIS PAYNE
Turnpike Road
Bicester