I’ve been swimming at the Baths for over twenty years. My dad and my grandad swam at the Baths and used the washing baths when they lived in Back-to-Backs nearby.
It’s my local swimming pool but so much more than that. It has a proud history and is of international importance. It is part of the city’s identity and must be preserved. It just happened really. About twenty years ago I was approached to consider setting up a LGBT swim group and with a couple of friends we just started swimming together and developing a bit of a structure to get more people involved. You learn loads of skills volunteering and do things you wouldn’t usually do. You meet friends and you really widen your social circle – and mix a lot more. Helping maintain a community resource and feeling a part of something unique.