Photograph of the Lido and Sports Club, Worthy Lane, Winchester
Taken about 1934
The construction of a Lido and Sports Club in Winchester was initiated by Mr Charles Schwerdt JP of Old Alresford House, Old Alresford, who was anxious to generate employment in the lean 1930s as well as to provide a year round sports facility in the city. Local firms were employed as much as possible although Bierrum and Partners was a specialist London company. Mr Schwerdt also took the leading role in the design, which presented considerable challenges as public swimming pools were not common in this country at the time.
The 80 x 40 foot (26 x 13 metre) pool boasted marked lines for racing, a water shoot, diving boards, non-slip paving, a shingle beach for sunbathing and filtered water returning via an ornamental cascade.
The photograph was taken by Winchester photographer F B Heathcote Wride.
