Woolton Village's swimming baths is old. Very old. One of the oldest in the country, just like the village. Liverpudlian Olympian Stephen Parry learnt to ply his trade here and it's probably not changed much since. Certainly, it's not changed much since my school days, oh so many years ago.
On first appearances, then, you may think it's showing its age. To be sure, it's not like the newfangled private places. No gym, jacuzzi or sauna here. Just a 17 metre pool with changing rooms and baskets for your clothes, which get lined up along the poolside.
Of a morning, between eight and nine, it can be really busy. If you're doing backstroke you run the risk of swimming head first into someone. And the water can be a fair few degrees hotter than a lukewarm cup of coffee, not exactly inspiring you to do 100 lengths before breakfast - you'll come out sweating!
But the place has undeniable character. The quaintest baths you will ever come across, I'm pretty sure, in keeping with the rest of this lovely village. If you happen to live in the Woolton area this Lifestyles is a lovable convenience, and I happen to know it's been featured in at least one book on sports history by a local academic. read more