Baylis Swimming Pool by Di Davies

I grew up in Slough in the 50s-60s and as a child one of my favourite summer pastimes was to go swimming at the wonderful open air pool behind Baylis House. My mother used to take us there in the summer when my sister and I were very young, but later we were able to walk from Wexham Estate with our friends, often 'collecting' a friend or two from Upton Lea along the way.

On a hot summer's day the long walk up through Shaggy Calf Lane and Elliman's Avenue could be broken by stopping for a frozen orange 'Jubbly' at Spicer's Store (about half way along Elliman's Avenue on the right as you were going in that direction). On arriving at the swimming pool, having got changed, you would find your patch of grass for the day and set out you towel.

The pool itself was marvellous and gave a children like myself from the large Slough estates a chance to experience a bit of fun and glamour. A great day would be had and you would always bump into other friends there - and make new friends. I have not lived in Slough for many years and do realise that there are some wonderful facilities for children there now, but I do wonder if there are others, like me, who have fond memories of sunny, happy days at Baylis swimming pool.

Does anyone remember the shop there where you could buy sweets? I particularly remember the penny chews that were on sale. I think we were very lucky to have that outdoor pool and I was saddened to see some pictures of the pool area after it had been closed for good. It looked so forlorn. A sad end for a place that provided so many happy times for the children of Slough.

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