Founded in April 2000 the Gay Swim Group, Moseley Shoals, has gone from strength to strength and is now one of the biggest gay sports clubs in the UK. As well a providing a space to ‘splash and chat’, the exclusively LGB club is open to swimmers of all abilities and offers the opportunity for swim coaching and competition standard swimming.
Affiliated to the Gay Outdoor Club and supported by Birmingham Pride they ensure that there are plenty of opportunities to socialise as well as swim, with the chance to head to the pub after sessions, as well as the occasional BBQ, picnic and even holiday.
The group began when staff at Moseley Road Baths encouraged the group to hire the pool for swim sessions. Staff also encouraged two of the group to take the lifeguard course and qualify. They are celebrating their tenth anniversary in Hamburg this year (where a previous member now lives and has joined their local LGB Swim Group – who are hosting a swim tournament). In the past ten years they have attracted members from all over the Midlands, and the world.
Recently the group have linked up with the SHOUT festival which has helped with some Sport England money to introduce coaching on the first Wednesday of the month and water polo on the other Wednesdays. This has been made possible with the support of the Birmingham LGBT Community Trust. Please contact the Baths in advance on 0121 464 0150 to check that these sessions are taking place.
They currently hold three swim sessions a week at Moseley Road Baths. These are:
Sundays: 12:30-1:30pm
Mondays and Wednesdays: 8:00-9:00pm
Sessions cost £4.00, and swimmers of all abilities are welcome, although non-swimmers should check that there is a coach available before their visit.
For more information see the Moseley Shoals website at www.moseleyshoals.org.uk
If your swimming group meets, or used to meet at Moseley Road Baths please get in touch, we want to hear from you!