COLIN Smith has happy memories of learning to swim and having fun at Hinksey Pools in Oxford.

However, it was never wise to swallow the water, which often tasted of slime.

He and fellow pupils at New Hinksey School in the early 1940s looked forward to the beginning of May when the pools were opened for the summer.

He writes: “We were told by the teacher that if we went, we had to go in, whatever the weather, or ‘you don’t go next time’.

“Most of us learned to swim at a very early age. Miss (Mollie) Bateson taught us at the pool on every visit and took us for all our swimming certificates – 10 yards, 25 yards and 75 yards. She was a very good swimming instructor.

“Most of the children lived locally and it was important to be able to swim because of all the water around the area, not only the swimming pools but the boating lake and the main Hinksey Lake.”

Mr Smith, of George Moore Close, Oxford, also remembers two attendants, Jack Bucket and ‘Yobbo’ Young, who looked after the pools.

“The water for the pools came from Hinksey Lake and every now and then, they would be drained one at a time and scrubbed out by broom. There was no machinery in those days.

“When the pools were empty, there was green slime on the bottom and sides and the smell was quite strong. It was hard work for those two attendants.

“The deepest pool in those days was six feet and had one diving board. The other pools varied in depth.

“I also remember very well that if you swallowed the water while swimming, it wasn’t very nice.

“Alice Moss, who lived in Lake Street, also helped local boys and girls with their swimming.

“Later, when most of us could swim well, we went swimming in Hinksey Lake, and often would be chased by the attendants if they saw us.

“I lived in Gordon Street and we had some very good times in the pools. I passed all my swimming tests, including a bronze for life saving, while at school and at 17, swam in the annual event from Folly Bridge to Iffley Lock, organised, I believe, by Oxford City Police.

“Hinksey Pools are a luxury compared with those days, and it’s a pity that when they were revamped, a roof was not put over them, so that they could be used all year round. The cost today would be enormous and out of the question.”

Any other memories of Hinksey Pools to share with readers? Write and let me know.