Early in 1933, reports emerged that Chingford teachers were concerned about the necessity of travelling to Walthamstow to provide pupils with swimming lessons.
Chingford Urban District Council was asked whether it had considered building its own swimming baths.
In July, the council gave instructions for the preparation of plans for an open-air swimming pool, with an estimated cost of £31,000.
At a Ratepayers Association meeting, one member suggested a pool could bring undesirable elements to Chingford, but the Association decided to go ahead with the plans.
In 1934, there were discussions as to whether it would be improper to open the pool on Sundays.
The pool was opened by the Minister of Health, the Rt Hon Sir Kingsley Wood, on July 28, 1936, amid much pomp and ceremony.
The opening had been well planned, but the weather did not cooperate - it poured with rain, although local reports claimed that the weather didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of those who were there.
At its deepest, the pool was 2.6m, and at its shallowest was 0.9m.
The lido had a full set of national standard diving boards, the top board was 5m high, and the additional springboards were 1m and 3m.
Entrance prices in 1936 were six old pence for adults and three for children.
The pool held the highest attendance in the history of lidos in the United Kingdom, with 290,000 bathers during the swimming months of 1959.
At various times, the pool was used for other activities such as canoeing and 'It's a Knockout' competition, which was also shown on BBC television.
The competition had many events on or near water, so the lido was an ideal location.
By 1981, the lido was running at a loss and needed £75,000 from Waltham Forest Council to keep it running.
Plans were considered for the development of an all-season sports and leisure centre; however, they were refused because the developer wanted to build houses on part of the site.
In 1985, Waltham Forest Council asked consultants to advise on the future of the site.
Eventually, the council decided to replace the pool with an indoor ‘Water Palace’, and on September 6, 1987, Larkswood Swimming Pool closed for the last time after 51 years.
Despite much local opposition at the time, the council made its decision, and Fantaseas opened in August 1990.
It was a joint council and private venture. However, due to a number of issues, the facility closed in September 1992.
Lidos are memorable to many people today, and Larkswood was no exception due to its distinctive architecture.
The social pleasure of its many community events and outdoor swimming, and its historical significance, is seen by many as a symbol of modern leisure and civic pride during times of social change and optimism.
- Gary Stone is a local historian.
Share