One of the best things about campaigning for Moseley Road Baths is getting to hear so many memories about what a special place it is for so many people. We’ve had so many comments via the Crowdfunder, the petition, and via the National Trust mail-out that we’ve decided to compile a few of them for you to enjoy.
This post focusses on the building and why people support our campaign, look out for our next post which will focus on memories of swimming at Moseley Road Baths. Sometimes it seems like there’s not anyone in South Birmingham who didn’t learn to swim here!
“I swam there, my children learned to swim there and swim there still, and I would like the baths available for my grandchildren to use – but mainly, I wish to see this beautiful building preserved for all local people and visitors to the city – it is our heritage” – Sue
“I learned to swim and dive at the bath in the 50s. I lived on the Moseley Road when the sheep and cattle were driven down the road to the abattoir in Cheapside. I lived in a fruit shop next to the park and went to the nearby school. I think it was called Chandon Road. We use to walk to the baths…I am now seventy years old, so it’s been a long time ago since I swam there. I will come and have a swim one of the days for old times sake.
Thank you.” – George
“I went to the baths as a child in 50s and 60s too though we also went to Kings Heath baths. I hope you’ll be as successful as Bramley baths in Leeds – do visit!” – Mike
“Moseley Road Baths have very fond memories for me. Both my school and scouts held “Swimming Galas” there in the mid/late 1960’s. It was a place of fun and excitement with your friends. The events were always in the evening during late Autumn and Winter and the contrast between the cold dark evening and the warm chlorine air of the baths was special. Save it. It is a wonderful building full of Brummie memories.” – Andrew
“We need to do what we can to save this important part of our local community. It is part of our history and for the future health and fitness of our community…We need to protect our history and vital local services so please support this great project.” – Ginny
“I swim at this pool and so do my family. It is beautiful, it is local and it is one of the few amenities Balsall Heath has as a community. It is architecturally and historically important but also a well-used and well-loved hub for our local community.” – Ann
“It’s my local pool and a beautiful landmark.” – Asma
“Although my daughter is now 32yrs and has moved away from Birmingham, she and I have many fond memories of Moseley Road Baths where she swam every week for a number of years learning and performing synchronised swimming. The building always amazed me in its glorious décor and different areas in which to enjoy it. I do hope that the combined efforts of the campaign to save the baths will have a positive outcome.” – Sylvia
“Growing up in Balsall Heath, having access to an affordable swimming baths was massively important and without it I doubt I would’ve learnt to swim… I think it’s important for kids to have local access to leisure facilities, especially in inner city areas.” – Neville
“A beautiful building, with a great past and one which deserves a future! :)” – Satish
“In the early 90s, I saw a performance of Canute the King by the theatre group ‘Stan’s Cafe’ at Moseley Road Swimming Baths. Using the pool as the set together with dramatic lighting and projections was highly creative and visually stunning. It was remarkable and highly memorable. Why not do it again!?” – Howard
“Exercise is critical for our healthy future, and reduction in access for today’s youth will have detrimental effect on society.” – Khalid
“As a former pupil at Moseley Road Art School from 1960-65 (opposite the baths) we used to go swimming during our lunch break although we had to be quick as we didn’t have much time. They are a fantastic facility and the craftmanship that was put into buildings of that era is something we don’t see in today’s buildings.” – Phillip
“I swim twice every week at these baths and they are a lifeline for the local community, schools and those in need of exercise and friendship.” – Margaret