Pensioner takes plunge as part of fight to get Moseley Road baths renovated
Dec 31 2009 by Rebekah Oruye, Birmingham Mail
A PENSIONER who completed his first mile swim at a Birmingham pool 75 years ago returned for a long-awaited plunge to help save the historic baths.
Philip Morris was born in Birmingham but was evacuated from the city during the Second World War.
The retired teacher eventually settled in Stratford-upon-Avon but never forgot his time spent swimming as a youngster at the Grade II listed building in Balsall Heath.
The 82-year-old said he was “saddened” to hear of the bath’s demise and the plight of local campaigners fighting for the restoration of the Edwardian pool.
“When I was a youth I remember the pool was much grander then than it is now. It had the most wonderful array of mahogany changing rooms.
“I took part in a swimming contest for inter-city schools and it was in the larger pool that I completed my first mile aged seven.“
Mr Morris decided to complete a sponsored half-mile swim to mark the 75th anniversary of his first mile.
“I’ve been planning this for sometime and thought it’s probably best not to leave it for much longer. It will be a pleasure to return to the baths after so long and also to contribute towards the continuation of the building’s being used for locals to swim in.”
The father-of-two dressed up in early 20th century swimwear – in honour of the pool’s opening in 1907.
The future of the Moseley Road baths hit the headlines after Birmingham City Council leisure chiefs announced proposals to build brand new sport facilities rather than spend millions of pounds repairing decaying buildings. Costs to fully renovate the Balsall Heath site are estimated to be as high as £30 million.
Only one of the two pools is currently in use and supporters have been battling for the renovation of the larger pool which has been closed since 2003.
Jenny Austin, from campaign group Friends of Moseley Road Baths, said there had been “tremendous” support for the facilities from people across the country. And the group regularly meets with council bosses as part of on-going talks to discuss improving the condition of the building.
Ms Austin said: “I think it’s brilliant that someone of Philip’s age is prepared to go to such lengths to show his support. It just shows the strong feeling people have about the pool. A huge number of people who we meet through campaigning learned to swim at Moseley Baths 50 to 60 years ago and still have fond memories of it.”
After being threatened with closure five years ago because it was crumbling and in a dangerous condition, Friends of Moseley Road Baths began campaigning to get the 1907 building fully restored.
Birmingham City Council has since spent money reopening one of its two pools, but has yet to make a decision about the other.
