THEY bred them tough in 1952 when indoor swimming pools were unheard of. Instead, even in May, hundreds would turn out at Wyndham Park to enjoy the great outdoor. Schoolchildren even had to go in when it was only 40 degrees Fahrenheit that is, not Celcius. The grassy bank on the riverside was always an attraction.
The ground around sometimes got mudding, most people at sometime stubbed their toes on the concrete surround and the steps were plain wood. You learned your own safety.
Once the indoor pool opened, the outdoor ones days were numbered. Wyndham Park was first a skateboard rink, then home to Grantham Model Boat Club.
It shows the footbridge at the end. This became very slippery with the mix of leaves from the trees and many wet feet.
You have to remember back then people expected less, most people did not have a car, or expected to go away on a bank holiday. If you did stub your toes on the concrete surrounding the pool or slip on the bridge at least you could nip up to the hospital and receive treatment quickly, The problems with hospitals were years into the future…….if we only knew what was waiting for us.