Post by Les on Nov 8, 2017 16:22:15 GMT
Maidstone I remember it well:
I remember the Maidstone Old Baths. I have been reading all the entries with sheer delight and I am very proud to be able to say that Mr. Percy Wright was my grandad's brother. My "Uncle Percy" was the best swimming teacher there at the time. I am so proud to know that others remember him too. From that frightened little girl emerged a woman who now teaches children to swim as her career!!! A little kinder than the old way, however it must be in the genes.
Who remembers the horrendous water spiders that seemed to survive from week to week to terrify you? And the small balcony overlooking the small pool? And the small room where the crisp machines were... I used to stand there for ages trying to choose a flavour, but always opted for the salt n vinegar in the end. And the bus journey home to Barming with stinging eyes, but so proud in my Maidstone Swimming Club tracksuit with all its badges on down the sleeves. There was also a man by the name of Malcolm, who moved to the "New pool" in the 1970's.
Anyway, Percy Wright was brother to my grandad, Charlie Wright. It was my grandad that drove the buses, for those that remember him. Percy would have been seen hanging around the old bus station in Maidstone. My dad was Tony Wright from Barming, a sportsman involved with the cricket on the heath and football. He never learned to swim, and sadly died before I had a chance to teach him...