Norman Dunn's 'Hebburn and our Neighbours Forum'

Norman Dunn's 'Hebburn and our Neighbours Forum'
[ Norman Dunn's 'Hebburn and our Neighbours Forum' ]

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Hebburn Swimming Baths Memories

Posted by AJG on 13/3/2026, 4:37 pm

Another blog post for anyone interested in reading it. This one is my memories of the old Hebburn Swimming Baths on Campbell Park Road. A lot of my contemporaries have memories of learning to swim there!

Hebburn Swimming Baths Memories

Re: Hebburn Swimming Baths Memories

Posted by Norman on 13/3/2026, 6:06 pm, in reply to "Hebburn Swimming Baths Memories"

Well remembered and written Andrew.
That Swimming Pool didn't last long though, which seems the norm here in South Tyneside.
Proper businesses couldn't operate like this Council does and why this Council is deep in debt.

Re: Hebburn Swimming Baths Memories

Posted by AJG on 13/3/2026, 7:43 pm, in reply to "Re: Hebburn Swimming Baths Memories"

You're right, Norman. I am amazed and saddened by how little time some of these buildings are standing. The Community Centre on Argyle Street was a beautiful facility but only lasted about 30 years. Same goes for the various blocks of Flats.

Re: Hebburn Swimming Baths Memories

Posted by Alan Young on 13/3/2026, 8:06 pm, in reply to "Re: Hebburn Swimming Baths Memories"

I am afraid my memories goes back to Jarrow swimming baths and Reyrolles swimming club on a Friday night. I have recollections of them being built but I think I was married and left Hebburn - what year were they built ?

Re: Hebburn Swimming Baths Memories

Posted by Jackie W on 15/3/2026, 11:00 am, in reply to "Hebburn Swimming Baths Memories"

Brilliant Andrew! Thank you so much, loved all of it except the bulldozing. Photos amazing!
I spent a lot of time there too. I recall going with my friend from Park View school on our own from being about 7/ 8 and giving her my water wings after dad told me to wear them. I guess he trusted lifeguards or maybe it was because I had 2 aunties working there that he and mam actually let us go on our own!

My auntie Jean Chisholm was often in the changing room. She let us into the roped off clean areas before anyone else and gave us extra time in the pool by giving us a different wristband.
I also got in for free if my auntie Eva Quensell was on reception. Eva is now 104 years old.

Dad used to take me and my brother some weekends.I did swimming badges there and had so much fun.
I worked at Hebburn Council Offices mid seventies and it was the view out of our office window for a while. Some of us from work swam in there too. I did try the sauna when that was introduced but it wasn’t for me.
I won’t bore anyone too much now.
I also did also occasionally go to Jarrow Baths after school from Jarrow Grammar.

Re: Hebburn Swimming Baths Memories

Posted by Mac Hardy on 15/3/2026, 12:09 pm, in reply to "Re: Hebburn Swimming Baths Memories"

Recognise the name Jean Chisholm, sure she used to be a neighbour and also had a friend David Quensell, any relation, not a common name ?

Re: Hebburn Swimming Baths Memories

Posted by Jackie W on 15/3/2026, 12:53 pm, in reply to "Re: Hebburn Swimming Baths Memories"

Jean lived in Hedgley Road Mac and then the tall block of flats in the Newtown. She had sons David and Gavin.
Eva’s children are Val and Robyn, so David may be a cousin?
Eva and Jean were originally Jacksons from Dunston St and McIntyre St.

Re: Hebburn Swimming Baths Memories

Posted by Mac Hardy on 15/3/2026, 1:33 pm, in reply to "Re: Hebburn Swimming Baths Memories"

If you are in contact with Jean would you ask if she remembers me ?

Re: Hebburn Swimming Baths Memories

Posted by Jackie W on 15/3/2026, 3:09 pm, in reply to "Re: Hebburn Swimming Baths Memories"

Sorry Mac, she passed away 2001

Re: Hebburn Swimming Baths Memories

Posted by Joseph on 15/3/2026, 4:11 pm, in reply to "Re: Hebburn Swimming Baths Memories"

Old baths were one hundred percent superior to the ones they use now, reason given, would have cost to much for maintenance etc etc. Which I thought was B.S. land was wanted for housing why couldn't they have been honest, (back handers come to mind).

Re: Hebburn Swimming Baths Memories

Posted by Peter on 16/3/2026, 12:33 pm, in reply to "Re: Hebburn Swimming Baths Memories"

I totally agree Joseph. It was criminal to pull the old Hebburn Community Centre down as well. That land also went for housing.

Re: Hebburn Swimming Baths Memories

Posted by Mac Hardy on 16/3/2026, 2:25 pm, in reply to "Re: Hebburn Swimming Baths Memories"
Edited by board administrator 16/3/2026, 3:12 pm

So sorry to hear that !

Re: Hebburn Swimming Baths Memories

Posted by AJG on 15/3/2026, 9:50 pm, in reply to "Re: Hebburn Swimming Baths Memories"

Glad you enjoyed reading it Jackie! I enjoyed reading your memories too!

I remember going to Jarrow Baths once or twice but Hebburn was my regular swimming place when I was young.

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[ Norman Dunn's 'Hebburn and our Neighbours Forum' ]

Rules! No bad language or derogatory remarks or we will delete. Anyone sharing our content on Face Book must credit 'Hebburn and our Neighbours'.