History of Pont Baths
Pontllanfraith Open Air Swimming Baths
What a mouthful, so lets just call it "Pont Baths"; everybody else did, right from the very first day when it opened for business on May 23rd, 1938, with Alan Coward the first bather. From that day, and for 50 or so years until its closure, it became a Summertime Mecca for thousands of Valley folk of all ages, from many miles around.
Some simple arithmetic will tell you that May 23rd this year will mark the 70th anniversary of its opening; and some former "helpers" have vowed not to let the moment pass without some suitable commemoration.
Pont Baths, regrettably, is now just a memory, but although distant in time, it nevertheless remains etched in so many people's minds for its sheer fun and frolics! Apart from these of course, was the swimming itself and the very important life-saving activity which took place after closing time most days.
Jack Musselwhite was the manager of Pont Baths for most of its active life, and his name became synonymous with all of its activities; in particular his ability to silence a thousand screeching voices with one blast of his Acme Thunderer Whistle! Mrs Nightingale of Ynysddu was the first cashier, and Mr Wilshire was Jack's first assistant; but these were only the first of many others down the years, including Mrs Morgan, easily the longest-serving cashier.
In the war years the Baths played its part in the training of the local Fire Brigade, before they departed in 1940 to fight the German Blitz fires in Bristol and Plymouth; Jack was one of these firemen, before being called up for active service with the Royal Artillery in 1941. The American soldiers stationed on the Penllwyn used the baths for swimming practice prior to D-Day in 1944; their rifles stacked on the lawns were a vivid image of what lay before them.
In happier times many will remember the post-war galas, and who would forget June Filer as the Festival of Britain Britannia, being towed on her Royal Barge in 1951 (and talking of Barges, where are you Eira?) These are surely, just a few of the vast treasure of memories that has built up over the years since 1938 (and we haven't even mentioned the romances!).
The baths of course, could not have operated without its gang of voluntary helpers; these had to pass Jack's stringent vetting at the beginning of each season; the reward for this help was the privileged, private bathing after closing time.... my, were those posers the envy of all and sundry!
But this potted history would not be complete without mentioning Jack's very successful Life Saving Clubs, through which hundreds of swimmers learned the skills to save themselves (and others) when in difficulty. Jack was immensely proud of his Life Saving Squad that was invited to supervise the then Taff Swim (by this time being held in Roath Park Lake). But his ultimate boast was that, despite some very close incidents, no one drowned at Pont Baths.
Some of Jack's former helpers and Life Savers have decided to mark the 70th birthday of the Baths with a light-hearted get-together on Friday, 23rd May. Beginning with a gathering at the former site of the baths at 7.30pm, when a time capsule will be buried. Followed by a second gathering at Blackwood Rugby Club at 8.15pm, where refreshments will be served.
So, if you were once a former employee at the Baths, one of Jack Musselwhite's crate room or pool-side volunteers, or a one-time member of any of the Life Saving Clubs down the years, then you must come along with any old photographs, but certainly your favourite memories and exchange them with your old friends of long ago.
Just complete our online form (you can print this out to complete and post to us if you prefer) or call us to register your interest (contact details, email, telephone numbers etc can be found on our contacts page).
See you there!