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September 10, 2021
A special exhibition is being staged to mark the centenary of Renfrew’s Victory Baths.
People will get the chance to see and hear about the amazing history of the swimming pool, which was officially opened on September 19, 1921 and is now run by the charity, Renfrewshire Leisure.
The baths were gifted to the town by shipbuilder and government minister, Sir Frederick Lobnitz who, along with his wife, Lady Lobnitz and Lady Blythswood conducted the opening ceremony watched by crowds of locals.
The exhibition opens on Sunday, September 19 and apart from the public holiday on September 24, runs every day until Sunday, September 26.
People interested in seeing the exhibition at the pool can book a tour on weekdays at 10.30am, 1.30pm and 7.30pm as well as during the weekend at 10.30am, 11.30am and 12.30pm. To book a place on the exhibition tour, call 0141 618 4914.
Following Covid regulations, tours must be booked for Test and Protect purposes and are limited to ten places per tour. Face masks must be worn unless exempt.
To help celebrate the centenary, Renfrewshire Leisure is reducing the charge for swimmers to 100p (£1) per swim and £4 for a family swim at the Victory Baths, on its actual anniversary day, Sunday September 19.
The Baths will also offer extended opening hours of 9am to 7pm on September 20, 21, 22 and 23.
As part of the exhibition, a film called, ‘The Man Who Made Renfrew Victory Baths’ will be screened, showing how renowned architect of the period, Thomas Abercrombie designed the Baths.
Abercrombie was born in Paisley and was responsible for the design of some iconic buildings in the town, including the former Royal Alexandra Infirmary, the YMCA buildings in New Street, Wallneuk Church and the former Paisley Baths, in Storie Street.
The Tannahill Makar for Renfrewshire, Brian Whittingham, has also written a poem, called ‘Back In The Day’ to mark the centenary.
The exhibition will also feature the story of two Olympic swimmers, William Francis and Hugh Smith who trained at the Victory Baths and competed in the 1928 Amsterdam Olympic Games.
And the background will be revealed about former Eastenders soap actor, the late Ross Davidson who played water polo at Victory Baths and went on to represent Scotland. As part of the Renfrew Aqua Water Polo Club he won a Scottish league and cup double in 1975.
Councillor Lisa-Marie Hughes, Chair of Renfrewshire Leisure said: “The Victory Baths is an iconic building in Renfrew and has been part of the lives of people from the town for generations.
“It has a great history with many stories connected to the swimming pool and the people who swam there. I know the exhibition showing the history of the Baths will be of great interest to people of all ages”
“We are delighted to be celebrating the centenary of the Victory Baths, which have been at the heart of the community for 100 years. Renfrewshire Council has recently invested around £100,000 in the essential plant that supports the swimming pool, and we have invested in new internal and external lighting and interior decoration so that the Baths are looking their best for their big birthday.
“Swimming is as popular now as it’s ever been, not just at the Victory Baths, but across all of the pools run by Renfrewshire Leisure.
“Its popularity has increased since lockdown restrictions eased, which has been great to see as we work with people to help with their health and wellbeing, which is so important to our region’s recovery from the pandemic.”
More information about Renfrewshire Leisure’s pools and how to book swim sessions can be found here www.renfrewshireleisure.com.
