Swimmers held a party to mark the temporary closure of their swimming pool.

Although there was sadness that Temple Cowley pool in Oxford would be out of action for up to two years, there was the consolation that it would eventually reopen.

Unlike today, of course, when swimmers fighting to save the pool are facing defeat.

Oxford City Council has decided to shut the pool for good and build a new 25m one at Blackbird Leys.

In 1984, when the picture on the right was taken, the pool was closing for a £2.3m refit, and swimmers decided to hold a poolside party to say ‘au revoir’.

Jean Balderson, one of the organisers, said: “We are sorry to see the pool close. A lot of people love coming here during lunch breaks from work and we shall miss that.

“I thought it would be a good idea if we all got together for a farewell party.

“We all had a swim and then enjoyed a glass of wine at the poolside. It was fun, but very sad at the same time.”

A petition signed by more than 1,500 people has been presented to the council in the current campaign to save the pool.

But the council argues that it is outdated, too expensive to run and must close.