The Banstead Image Library
Swimming lessons at The Galleon, Burgh Heath
Here’s a pair of images of the Galleon swimming pool, Burgh Heath, taken in 1956. Boys from Banstead secondary school in Picquets Way used to jog from school to pool every week or so, there to have swimming lessons from our inspirational PT teacher, Ray Spencer. After his untimely death in a road accident in 1957, the Galleon sessions were abandoned – but they were fun while they lasted.
There are other images of the Galleon here: picture #214 | picture #215 | picture #404 | picture #625
Picture added on 20 December 2020 at 14:30
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I only remember going there when the pool was not open to all and sundry and the water was *#£@%*£ cold. I seem to recall that a thermometer accompanied us and if the water temperature was below a certain figure, we didn’t go in; can’t recall any ice floes…
Added by Bill Armstrong on 19 September 2022
Remember jogging to the Galleon, Peter Spittles forgot his trunks!
Ray Spencer the teacher took his off and threw them at Peter and shouted “wear these”!
Anyway, after jumping in, the water was so cold you’d immediately change sex!
Agh memories! My teacher was Mr Christmas at one time.
Sadly I was a lost cause.
Ray Spencer the teacher took his off and threw them at Peter and shouted “wear these”!
Anyway, after jumping in, the water was so cold you’d immediately change sex!
Agh memories! My teacher was Mr Christmas at one time.
Sadly I was a lost cause.
Added by Vincent Stanton. on 18 January 2024
Mr. Christmas! I'd forgotten about him; what did he teach and did he stay for long?
Trying to recall (and failing utterly) whether he taught the class that I was in.
Does anyone recall Mr. Wilson?
Trying to recall (and failing utterly) whether he taught the class that I was in.
Does anyone recall Mr. Wilson?
Added by Bill Armstrong on 20 January 2024
Burgh Heath
