The first meeting of Tyldesley Swimming Club was held on 2nd August 1876
with the appointments of Mr R. Clegg as Treasurer and C. Hadfield as Secretary. On the 5th August a second meeting was held and proposal was made for a committee of 6 people be appointed.
1880 Changing Rooms
When Mr. Caleb Wright conceived the idea of a public swimming baths for Tyldesley, he developed his plans and placed them before the local board. There was a little opposition to them, and it was placed in his and Mr. W. Ramsden’s hands to arrange for a plot of land suitable for the purpose.
The Hon. Stapleton Cotton willingly gave one statute acre, but in consequence of a change in lawyers it lay in abeyance for about three years.
The baths were eventually erected by the Local Board on land given by the Hon. R.S.W. Cotton, at a cost of about £1,300.
When Mr. Wright had got things settled, he put the whole correspondence before the local board. Strong opposition then arose and when Mr. Wright moved for a vote of thanks to Hon. R.S.W. Cotton for the gift of land, an amendment was proposed that the land should not be accepted. A vote was taken, and the motion was carried by a majority of one. After this, the Board became divided and they went by the name of the Bath and anti-Bath parties.
The enameled bricks for the interior of the baths were given by W. Ramsden Esq.
The Bath party obtained plans, and advertised for tenders for the erection of the baths, but not without the strongest opposition that the anti-Bath party could possibly bring to bear. At subsequent meetings the Bath party always carried their motions by the casting vote of the Chairman.
TSWPC Since 1876
Caleb Wright Esq J.P.
To record all the history and background of Tyldesley Swimming and Water Polo Club since its formation in 1876 is practically impossible, time erasing many details. Yet somewhere, someplace, there could still be information, stories, photographs etc. which could fill the story a little more.
From the time bathing locally was confined to Shakerley Brook, the lime pits and the canal, the opening of Tyldesley Baths, the formation of the club and how it has fared throughout the years, this and the following series of articles attempts to tell a little of that story.
To all the competitors and members who have brought prestige to the club, and to the many members who have been the backbone of the club we say “THANK YOU” to everyone, may these articles raise many a smile and revive some very pleasant memories.
If you have any information, photos etc. relevant to Tyldesley Swimming and Water Polo Club please Email the webmaster. We look forward to hearing from you.
The Swimming Club
Captaincy of Tyldesley Swimming Club
The race for Captaincy of the club was between Thomas Smith of Astley and John Plunkett of Bedford. Joseph Dixon was prevented from competing by the rule which required a 3 year residence within a certain radius of the baths.
John Plunkett won the Gold Medal and was Captain of the Club, but before the medal became his own property he had to hold it against All-Comers, and if required competed for once a month for a year.
Opening Ceremony
On Saturday afternoon, 22nd July 1876, the Baths were officially opened for the public use by Caleb Wright, Esq, J.P.
Early in the afternoon the town began to have a lively appearance, and shortly after three o’clock the atmosphere was filled with the music of the bands which headed the various Sunday School scholars to the square.
Every inch of the ground was occupied, but good order prevailed, and the marshalling of the procession by Mr. A. Cranshaw and his staff was a comparatively easy task to perform.
The order of procession was as follows:-
- Good Templars Brass Band;
- Members of the Local Board and Friends;
- Tyldesley Chapel Scholars;
- Ellenbrook Band;
- Wesleyan Scholars;
- Congregational Scholars;
- Catholic Band;
- Catholic Scholars;
- Good Templars Rifle Band;
- Chowbent United Order of Oddfellows and Ancient Foresters;
- Leigh Fire Brigade and Tyldesley Fire Brigade.
The route took them along Elliott Street to Sale Lane, returning down Elliott Street past the Gas Works, down Blenheim Street, James Street, Charles Street, Factory Street and Castle Street to the Chanters Bridge, returning by Castle Street up Shuttle Street into Union Street and to the Baths.
It is stated that nearly 3,000 people took part in the procession which was almost two miles long, and was witnessed by thousands of spectators.
After the procession entered the baths enclosure Mr. Caleb Wright delivered an address and declared the baths open.
In reality they had been open to the public for three weeks, and had been visited by 5,020 bathers. The charge was 2d. each, and the receipts about £42.00 The outdoor proceedings concluded with the singing of the National Anthem.
The scholars then reformed and walked to a field adjacent to the residence of Caleb Wright Esq., at Lower Oak, Shakerley, where a variety of amusements and field sports were enjoyed. A swimming gala was held at the baths, Caleb Wright Esq., presided.
The handicap race, first prize gold medal, open to all England was won by H.G. Dunlop of Manchester, the Lancashire Champion. Peter Atherton, Captain of the Bolton Swimming Club, with a 12 seconds start, won the second prize, a gold centre medal, and Walter Hartley, of Rochdale, with 17 seconds start, won the silver medal for third. There were 10 entries.
Ernest Dolbridge of the Bolton Swimming Club won the 100 yards handicap race open to residents within seven miles of the baths with the prize being a gold centre medal; R.G. Elliott of Howe Bridge, was second and took the silver medal.
The scratch race, first prize, silver medal, open to residents of Tyldesley was won by James Walshaw; second prize – Victoria Cross was won by Joseph Dixon. Messrs. Reynolds and Boardman of Bolton Swimming Club gave a display of ornamental swimming and double floating, and the gala concluded with a game of water polo.
Prizes were presented by W. Ramsden Esq., and Mr R.M. Whitehead, late of the Bolton Swimming Club, who had been appointed keeper of the baths, ably performed the duties of handicapper, judge and starter.
Following the gala a tea party, concert and ball was held in a large room at Messrs. C. Wright and company’s mill. About 800 people sat down to tea, after which there were several speeches and a concert by Mr. Tunnicliffe’s glee party. Following the concert the room was emptied for dancing.
1878 – 1899
FLYING SQUADRON TEAM CHAMPIONS – 1901
Back Row L – R
A. TYLDESLEY A.E. TYLDESLEY H. ORMEROD F. TYLDESLEY
Front Row L – R
J. DALE W. PLATT F. ISHERWOOD N. POTTER R. TYLDESLEY
Olympic Games
1920 – 1934
SENIOR WATER POLO TEAM – 1908
Senior Water Polo and Squadron Team 1904 – 1914
The Bolton & District Swimming & Water Polo Association was founded in 1909 and Tyldesley won both the Water Polo and Squadron Championships in the first season. They did so without dropping a single point in either league and went onto do exactly the same the following season.
The team at that time was selected from:- Blears, Carlton, Alf Tyldesley, Frank Isherwood, Cotton, Bainbridge, Hilton, Darlington and Tisconia.
Alf Carlton also represented the Manchester League as fullback against the London League in 1910.
Tyldesley Swimming Club were the Bolton & District Champions every year from 1909 until the First World War in 1914. The nearest they came to losing the championship during that 6 year run, was in 1914, when they tied with Blackburn at the top of the Squadron League.
When the Bolton & District League re-started in 1920 (after the war) Tyldesley and Blackburn had a “swim-off” for the 1914 Championship Winning Team – which Tyldesley won.
Tyldesley continued where they had “left off” in 1914 and again won both the Water Polo and Squadron Championship.
World Champion at Tyldesley
Frank E. Beaurepaire of Australia, the world amateur champion at all distances up to 1 mile visited Tyldesley on the 14th October 1910. At the time he was holder of the Australian, English, Swedish, German, Belgium and French Championships.
He made an attempt to beat the quarter mile record, being accompanied on his swim by Kenneth Tyldesley, the Club Champion.
Frank E. Beaurepaire beat Kenneth Tyldesley by 2 lengths of the baths in a time of 5 minutes 27 seconds just 2.5 seconds outside the record.
In the same evening Kenneth Tyldesley won the Eckersey Cup, the 100 yards scratch race for the Club Championship (which was also the last of the 3 races at varying distances for the Eckersley Cup) in a time of 1 minute 14 seconds. J. Smith was second and A. Carlton third.
The War Years
The club continued to hold gala’s every year during the second world war, with all the proceeds going to the war comforts fund and the Red Cross.
Many notable swimmers appeared at Union Street during this period. E.H. Temme, the famous channel swimmer being one of them.
Ranking in Water Polo
The club’s ranking in the Water Polo World was proved in 1948, when it was proposed to change the rules of the game. Three trial matches were held and one was allocated to Tyldesley. It is felt by some experienced people that these changes e.g. “the no moving rule” brought about the downfall of the sport, from a spectator point of view.
The takings from a polo match at the old baths (Union Street) used to be as much as £15.00 and the crowds waited for hours before a match in order to obtain a good view. Infact, at times the queues have stretched to the top of Union Street and even into Shuttle Street, and as many as 7 coaches travelled to away matches.
The crowds who watched matches in those days were not always peaceful ones, and many a Referee has been threatened with a “Ducking”. On one occasion after beating Wigan, the Tyldesley team had to leave the baths through the boiler house to avoid trouble.
1948 – 1965
In 1948 Don Jenkinson won the Bolton & District Junior 100 yards Championship and the Lancashire County Boys 100 yards Championship. The Polo Team won the Bolton & District Second Division Championship in the same year.
There is no doubt that the 1950’s was the decade which will be remembered by the Water Polo enthusiasts.
In 1950 Tyldesley won the Lancashire County Second Division Championships and won the Northern Counties Grade Two Champtionship the following year.
In 1954 they won both the Bolton & District and the Manchester & District First Division Championships and the Manchester & District again in 1955. They won the Manchester & District Knockout Competition again in 1956 and 1957. The team also regained the Manchester & District First Division Championship in 1957.
Without doubt the finest water polo player connected with Tyldesley at that time was Jack Whittaker. He played for Lancashire County at Stafford in 1949 and went on to Captain the Lancashire Team for 7 years. He was a member of the Lancashire Team which won the Championships of England in 1950 and 1951. He made a major contribution to Tyldesley Swimming Club during the 1950’s.
In 1965, Jack Whittaker left Tyldesley to take up a new appointment in Northampton. He had been the Club Captain for 15 years and as a mark of respect and appreciation for his services to the club for almost 20 years, the club purchased two trophies in his name, which were engraved “The Jack Whittaker Testimonial Trophy” which are presented to the winner of the Boys and Girls “nominated event” at the Annual Club Championships each year.
In 1965 Tyldesley won the Bolton & District Junior Males Squadron Championship and headed the Bolton Age Group Competition in the same year.
National and International Honours
From 1972 the scene was dominated by three swimmers – Alan Parry, Lesley Stones and Duncan Cleworth. Apart from winning numerous Lancashire County and Northern Counties trophies they also won and gained National and International Honours.
Alan Parry was the first member of Tyldesley Swimming Club to win a Gold Medal at the National Age Group level. in 1972 he won the 12/13 years 200m Individual Medley and the following year he was England Schoolboy Champion in the same event.
He set a new ENGLISH SCHOOLS RECORD for the 200m Individual Medley in 1974.
Alan and Lesley Stones were members of the National Youth Squad for 2 seasons. They toured Switzerland, Luxembourg and Germany in 1974 and took in those 3 countries plus France in 1975. They were also chosen for the Eight Nations Championships in Rouen, France in 1975. During that period Alan won 4 Gold, Four Silver and 4 Bronze Medals, whilst Lesley won 1 Gold, 3 Silver and 1 Bronze Medal.
In the National Age Groups in 1975 Alan won Bronze Medals in the 200 metres Butterfly and 400 metres Individual Medley, whilst Lesley took a Silver Medal in the 100 metres Freestyle. During the National Short Course Championships in 1975 Alan won 3 Junior Championships and Lesley took the Silver medals in the Ladies and Junior ladies 200m Backstroke events.
In 1973 Duncan Cleworth was selected to represent England at the Junior International Level in Sweden where he won the Bronze Medal in the 400 metres Freestyle. He is the holder of the Daily Mirror International Invitation Handicap Trophy which he won in 1974.
Duncan was the Senior National Short Course Individual Medley Champion in 1975, the year in which he created an ALL TIME RECORD, by winning 16 Northern Counties Championships. He was also the English Schools Senior Individual Medley Champion in the same year. He holds 2 Gold, 5 Silver and 4 Bronze Medals from various other Championships.
In 1976 he won the National Short Course Individual Medley Championship once again and was chosen to CAPTAIN THE ENGLAND TEAM in the Schools International at Wigan.
He was also a member of the Senior Great Britain team which went to Sweden, France and Russia – he also represented Great Britain in the Coca Cola International, where he achieved the Olympic Games Qualifying Time resulting in his selection for the Great Britain Team in the 400 metres Individual Medley event at the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal.
Duncan returned from competing in the 1976 Olympic Games on the 2nd August, exactly 100 years after the formation of Tyldesley Swimming Club.
As the club prepared to celebrate its Centenary, Peter Gallagher represented Great Britain against France, Canada and Germany in Bonn where he came 2nd in the 1500 metres Freestyle.
The 1976 Centenary
The club arranged a number of celebrations to mark the 100 years but the main event organised was a Centenary Dinner which was to be held at Formby Hall, Atherton on the 30th October 1976. However, due to a fire at Formby Hall the dinner took place at Aspull Civic Hall, with some of the guests travelling upto 200 miles to attend.
The Club President Mr Ernest Chadwick and his Jennie headed the table of honoured guests from the swimming world including Mr. Fred Moorhouse – President of Northern Counties ASA; Mr. Harry Booth – Lancashire County WPSA; Mr. Reg Way – Bolton & District SWPA; Mr. L. Torres – Manchester & District SWPA; Mr. John Cleworth – Life Member of Tyldesley SWPC; Mrs. A. Eckersley – Councillor and Mrs Len Sumner, Wigan’s Mayor Elect who presented the Len Sumner Centenary Cup to the club.
246 people attended the dinner with the caterers being J. Booth & Son Ltd of Westhoughton. Waterfields of Leigh made a large cake decorated to represent a swimming pool complete with lane ropes and goal posts.
Each guest received a centenary medallion and a small gift.
Closure of Union Street Baths
The Old Baths in Union Street were closed at short notice at the end of the 1960 season on health grounds. This obviously presented a problem to the club.
It was decided to approach Atherton Urban District Council and seek permission to use Atherton Public Baths for swimming and water polo. This was granted.
Atherton Swimming Club were very good to Tyldesley during that period, particularly Mr. Kershaw the baths Superintendent who went out of his way to co-operate with the club.
However, the period at Atherton Baths proved extremely difficult and but for the dedication and loyal efforts by members at the time, it is possible that the club could have disbanded.
Whilst at Atherton, Tyldesley Swimming Club still enjoyed some success. In 1963 Tyldesley won both the Manchester & District 2nd Division Water Polo Championship and also the Junior Championship.
The conversion of the Old Majestic Cinema into the present baths was completed in 1964 at a cost of approximately £67,000. The baths were officially opened on 22nd May 1964.
The club moved back and a grand commemorative gala was held on Saturday 8th August 1964. At this gala Pauline Sillett of Radcliffe won both the Girls and Ladies 110 yards Freestyle Championships of Lancashire and took both of the T.T. Bradshaw trophies. 2 other Lancashire Championships were decided at the gala. The winners being H.S. Smith of Harpurhey in the Boys 110 yards Backstroke and S. Hall of Burnley in the Girls 110 yards Breaststroke. Jeff Webster a member of the home club was third in the Boys Backstroke event.
Long Distance Swimming
The British Long Distance Swimming Association was formed in 1956 and in the early 60’s Tyldesley Swimming Club members began to compete in the various Championship events organised by this Association.
In 1965 Jimmy Grimshaw won the 10 mile Morecambe Bay swim and became the first of many Tyldesley Swimming Club members to gain honours in major distance events.
In 1966 Mary Reilly finished in second place in 2 Junior Events – the 3 mile Bala Lake and the 2 mile Fairhaven. Paul Beadlestone & Stuart Hopkins also competed in the 2 events and shared first and second places on each occasion. Paul also won the Windermere Junior race in the same year.
In 1967, Paul Beadlestone was again successful in winning both the Bala and Windermere events. Paul’s sister Yvonne, was one of 10 young members of the club, who broke the RECORD when winning the ATV’s Relay Challenge Trophy in November of the same year.
In answer to the challenge on the Junior Sportsweek Proramme, the 10 members of the team, all of them under 12 years of age, had to complete 2 x half mile swims each, in relay order. Tyldesley’s time for the relay was 5 hours and 6 minutes. Other members of the team were:- Dammion Charlson, Duncan Cleworth, Carol Griffiths, Keith Grimshaw, Paul Hayley, Alan Meakin, Alan Parry, Barbara Reilly and Ian Worthington. Paul Hayley and Barbara Reilly went to the ATV Studios to receive the trophy of behalf of the club.
Tommy Holland became the club’s foremost marathon swimmer. In 1967 he entered his first championships – coming second in the 10 mile Morecambe Bay swim, 3rd in the Trentham, finished well in the Bala Lake (two-way) and the A.S.A 5 mile Championship. He also completed both the one and two-way Windermere swims, (distances of 10 and Quarter miles) and (20 and Half miles) respectively.
In 1971 Tommy broke the record for the Three Lakes Swim in the same day. He swam Windermere (10 and Quarter Miles), Ullswater (7 and Half Miles) and Coniston (5 and Quarter Miles) in a total of 12 hours and 14 minutes. 2 years later (after he left Tyldesley) he attempted the English Channel and made a successful England to France crossing in 12 hours and 40 minutes.
Channel Swim
For many people the highlight of the Club’s history was the successful CHANNEL RELAY SWIM in September 1967.
The team, all of them teenagers, Tommy Holland, Stuart Hopkins, Chris Hopkins, Mary Reilly, Dennis Topping and Jeff Webster (reserves were Lester Lowe and Graham Butler) had put in many months of rigorous training under the guidance of the coaches Tony Trussel and Jimmy Grimshaw.
They covered a gruelling 31 miles from Dover to Wissant Beach, just outside Calais, in 11 hours and 37 minutes – 16 minutes outside the record.
Upto that time 240 had attempted to swim the Channel, either from France to England or from England to France. Only 4 teams had been successful on the England to France swim and Tyldesley Swimming Club had the second best time.
The team, with a party of supporters, arrived at Dover at 6.00 pm on Saturday 9th September 1967 and at 5.00 pm on Sunday 10th September, Tommy Holland, the team captain, took the plunge from Shakespeare Beach.
The decision to stage the swim had only been made 2 hours earlier, when the Pilot Boat Captain reported that conditions would be suitable for a crossing from England to France. Tyldesley Swimming Club Officials had originally planned on crossing in the other direction, which for tidal reasons can be accomplished in a shorter time.
During the hurried start, the British Long Distance Association observer – Lt. Tommy Cook of Hackney, was left behind and the Pilot Boat “Envictor” had to return to the beach to collect him.
The swim got off to a flying start when Tommy Holland, aided by the outgoing tide, completed 6 and half miles during the first hour. Each of the team members swam for 1 hour each – Stuart Hopkins was the second swimmer followed by his brother Chris, Mary Reilly, Dennis Topping and Jeff Webster – all of them covered in grease to protect their bodies from the cold.
With three quarters of the swim completed the team were well ahead of the time required for the record. Tommy Holland had just completed his second stint and Stuart Hopkins started his, when the tide changed – 20 minutes too soon. At that time they were only 3 and a half miles from the French Shore and two and half hours inside the record.
Chris Hopkins, Mary Reilly and Dennis Topping only covered one and half miles in the next three hours against a very strong tide and the last man to swim Jeff Webster completed 37 minutes of his second spell, when he landed on the French Shore.
The team arrived back in Dover at about 7.00 am after a arduous but exciting night.
When returning home, the team stopped in Maidstone, Kent where the team were presented with their badges by Miss Kelam Smith, Secretary of the Channel Swimming Association.
On Wednesday 13th September 1967, the team did a TOUR OF TRIUMPH along the main streets of Tyldesley in an open topped land rover. They then went onto Wigan, with a stop at the baths and a visit to Hindley Grammar School where Tommy Holland was back in school.
Honours Board
