The Friends of Moseley Road Baths have published their book about the history of Moseley Road Baths.
‘Pool of Memories – A History of Moseley Road Baths’ tells the 105-year old story of Birmingham’s Grade II Moseley Road Swimming Baths in Balsall Heath.
Author Steve Beauchampé has brought together over three years of research and interviews to produce a comprehensive account of the building’s history.
The 152-page book features memories drawn from an archive of almost 100 current and former Baths users gathered by members of the Friends of Moseley Road Baths.
Combined within is research tracing the building’s development and history dating back to the 1890s.
Also featuring a wealth of never before published photographs ‘Pool of Memories – A History of Moseley Road Baths’ tells how the baths were built, explains its many rare or unique architectural features, and the importance of the three ‘slipper’ bath departments. The building’s contribution to the war effort, tales of its life as Moseley Road Super Ballroom and its role in school and club swimming are also covered. A venue for art events, film and TV programmes, the Baths have also been used for synchronised swimming, baptisms and even underwater hockey!
Jennifer Austin, Chair of the Friends’ Group said: “For more than a century, Moseley Road Baths has been a hub of the community, providing swimming and bathing facilities for generations of local people. The Pool of Memories book helps preserve the stories of those who have swum, socialised, washed or worked there, providing a valuable archive of this nationally important building and its rôle in Birmingham’s history”.
You can buy a copy using PayPal at http://www.poolofmemories.co.uk/buy-our-book/ or contact Jennifer Austin on 07521 734 022 if you wish to use another method of payment – or if you would like multiple copies for a group. The book costs £12 if collected from the Baths, £15 including postage and packaging.
For updates on the campaign to save the baths and to learn more about the group see their new website.
www.friendsofmrb.co.uk