HOW IT STARTED

When Mr. Caleb Wright conceived the idea of a public swimming baths for Tyldesley, he developed his plans and placed them before the Local Board. There was little opposition to them, and it was placed in his, and Mr. W Ramsden’s hands to arrange for a plot of land suitable for the purpose.

The Hon. R.S.W Cotton willingly gave one statute acre, but in consequence of a change in the lawyers it lay in abeyance for about three years.

When Mr. Wright had got things settled, he put the whole correspondence before the Local Board.

Strong opposition then arose and when Mr. Wright moved a vote of thanks to the Hon. R.S.W Cotton for the gift of the land, an amendment was proposed that the land should not be accepted. A vote was taken, and the motion was carried by a majority of one. After this, the Board became divided and they went by the name of Bath and Anti-Bath Parties.

The Bath Party obtained plans, and advertised for tenders for the erection of the baths, but not without the strongest opposition that the Anti-Bath Party could possibly bring to bear. At subsequent meetings the Bath Party always carried their motions by the casting vote of the chairman.

The baths were eventually erected by the Local Board on land given by the Hon. R.S.W Cotton at a cost of £1,300. The enamelled bricks for the interior were given by W. Ramsden Esq.

OPENING CEREMONY

On Saturday afternoon, 22nd July 1876, the baths were officially opened for public use by Caleb Wright, Esq., JP.

Early in the afternoon Tyldesley began to have a lively appearance, and shortly after three o’clock the atmosphere was filled with the music of the bands which headed the various Sunday School scholars to the square.

Here every inch of the ground was occupied, but good order prevailed, and the marshalling of the procession by Mr. A Cranshaw and his staff was a comparatively easy task to perform.

The order of the procession was as follows:

• Good Templars Brass Band, members of the Local Board and friends, Tyldesley Chapel Scholars, Ellenbrook Band, Wesleyan Scholars, Congregational Scholars, Catholic Band, Catholic Scholars, Good Templars Rifle Band, Chowbent United Order of Oddfellows and Ancient Foresters, Leigh Fire Brigade and Tyldesley Fire Brigade.
• The route took them along Elliott Street to Sale Lane, returning down Elliott Street passt the Gas Works, down Blenheim Street, James Street, Charles Street, Factory Street and Castle Street to the Chanters Bridge, returning by Castle Street up to Shuttle Street into Union Street and to the baths.
• It is stated that nearly 3,000 people took part in the procession which was almost two miles long, and was witnessed by thousands of spectators.
• After the procession entered the baths enclosure, Mr Caleb Wright delivered an address and declared the baths open.

In reality they had been open to the public for three weeks, and had been visited by 5,020 bathers. The charge was 2d each, and the receipts about £42. The outdoor proceedings concluded with the singing of the National Anthem.

The scholars then reformed and walked to a field adjacent to the residence of Caleb Wright, Esq., at Lower Oak, Shakerley, where a variety of amusements and field sports were enjoyed.

A swimming gala was held at the baths, at which the attendance was large. Caleb Wright Esq. presided.

The handicap race, first prize gold medal, open to all England, was won by H.G. Dunlop of Manchester, the Lancashire Champion. Peter Atherton captain of the Bolton Swimming Club, with twelve seconds start won the second prize, a gold centre medal, and Walter Hartley of Rochdale, with seventeen seconds start, won the silver medal for third. There were ten entries.

Ernest Dolbridge of the Bolton Swimming Club won the 100 yards handicap race open to residents within seven miles of the baths, the prize being a gold centre medal. R.G. Elliott, of Howe Bridge, was second and took a silver medal.

The scratch race, first prize silver medal, open to residents of Tyldesley, was won by James Walshaw. Second prize, Victoria Cross, was won by Joseph Dixon.

Messrs. Reynolds and Boardman, of Bolton Swimming Club, gave a display of *ornamental swimming and double floating, and the gala concluded with a game of water polo.

*Research indicates that:

Ornamental Swimming was a popular event at Galas during the period 1870 to 1914, sometimes known as Scientific Swimming, its prime purpose was to demonstrate less common skills in swimming baths.

Illustrations from the late 19^th Century indicated the range of strokes and motions through the water, such as – “Treading water, swimming like a dog, sculling, somersaults, marching on water, swimming on the breast feet first, the propeller and the pendulum, the plank, the porpoise, the torpedo, the spinning top and various tricks such as swimming with feet and hands tied, undressing in the water, smoking and drinking under water.”

Prizes were presented by W. Ramsden Esq. and Mr. R.M. Whitehead, late of the Bolton Swimming Club, who had been appointed keeper of the baths, ably performed the duties of handicapper, judge and starter.

Following the gala a tea party, concert and ball was held in a large room at Messrs C. Wright and Company’s mill. About 800 people sat down to tea, after which there were several speeches, and a concert by Mr. Tunnercliffe’s Glee Party. Following the concert the room was cleared for dancing.

On the following Monday, Mr. C. Wright gave a treat for eighty old people at the mill.

THE SWIMMING CLUB

Less than two weeks after the official opening of the baths, The Tyldesley Swimming Club was formed at a meeting on the 2^nd August, 1876. Two appointments were made, Mr. Clegg, treasurer and Mr Hadfield, secretary.

The second meeting took place on the 5^th August, Mr. Whitehead took the chair, and a committee of six was appointed: Mr. Beard, Mr. Grounds, Mr. Whitmore, Mr. Oldham, Mr McKenzie, Mr. Gregory.

Mr. Tyldesley and Mr Howarth were appointed auditors, and Mr. Cooling was made Vice-President.

Mr. Whitehead was appointed instructor of swimming for the club, and it was moved and carried that samples of swimming drawers be tendered, also a stamp be purchased for lettering the drawers T.S.C.

The annual subscription for membership of the Swimming Club was set at five shillings, and the founder members were:

Mr. P. Hadfield, Elliott Street, Tyldesley
Mr. Marsh, Castle Street, Tyldesley
Mr. A Pendlebury, High Street, Atherton
Mr. R. M. Whitehead, "The Baths"
Mr. D. Whitmore, Ashwell Street, Tyldesley
Mr. J. Whitmore, Ashwell Street, Tyldesley
Mr. Beard, Park View, Atherton
Mr. Gregory, Elliott Street, Tyldesley
Mr. Clegg, Elliott Street, Tyldesley
Mr. T. Davies, Bolton Old Road, Atherton
Mr. McKenzie, Sale Lane, Tyldesley
Mr. Bentham, Alfred Street, Tyldesley
Mr. Dixon, James Street, Tyldesley
Mr. Lever, James Street, Tyldesley
Mr. Walshaw, Elliott Street, Tyldesley
Mr. Oldham, Well Street, Tyldesley
Mr. Smith, Shuttle Street, Tyldesley
Mr. Grounds, Church Street, Tyldesley
Mr. Tyldesley, Lime Street, Tyldesley
Mr Sheppard, Co-operative, Tyldesley
Mr. Howarth, Boar’s Head
Mr Tunnicliffe, Astley
Dr. Duncan, Tyldesley

Dr. Duncan was elected first President of the club on 18^th August, 1876.

On the 30^th August 1876 a set of rules were prepared by Messrs. McKenzie, Whitehead and Hadfield, these rules were adopted by the committee and sent for printing.

The first Annual General Meeting was held at the Baths on 18^th April, 1877, and the following advert was placed in the Tyldesley Journal:

"TYLDESLEY SWIMMING CLUB

The committee of the above club beg to inform gentlemen of Tyldesley and neighbourhood that the swimming season has now commenced, and that persons can join by giving in their names to the undersigned.

The club has the advantages of an efficient teacher, and a pair of patent life saving cuffs by the aid of which learners are greatly assisted.

Terms 5s.0d. per annum
R. M. Whitehead."