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| The disused STHS Jubilee Swimming pool, photographed in 2006 |
In early 2011, our swimming pool at STHS was drained, backfilled and turfed over. Despite its desuetude and its demise we lads remain brimming with memories of it. We invite you to contribute your aquatic recollections, in the Comments box below.
STHS Journal for 1966 (Volume XLIX pp 14-15) contains the following report of the official opening, which appears to have been lifted, uncredited, from a newspaper article; surely none of us needed to be told where the school was located?
OPENING OF JUBILEE SWIMMING POOL
Lady Cutler, wife of the Governor, described Sydney Technical High School's swimming pool as "an imaginative way to celebrate the jubilee of a great school".
Lady Cutler opened the $34,000 pool in the school grounds at Bexley on 30th April before hundreds of people. She unveiled a commemorative plaque on the lawn surrounding the pool. The inscription on the plaque reads as follows:
Lady Cutler, wife of the Governor of New South Wales, opened the Jubilee Swimming Pool on 30th April, 1966.
This project was achieved through the efforts of the parent organizations, students and Old Boys of Sydney Technical High School.
H. B. Brown, B.A., B.Sc., Principal.
Lady Cutler said Sydney Technical High School had a fine record of community service since its establishment at Paddington in 1911.
"It was considered an educational adventure to build a High School to concentrate on technical education with subjects like engineering in the curriculum," she said.
Lady Cutler traced the history of the school. "Some people may have been doubtful about the success of transferring the old-established school to Bexley from Paddington," Lady Cutler said.
"It is evident the school has continued its tradition of community service especially in its intention of allowing the pool to be used by neighbouring schools and community groups."
She complimented members of the school staff and pool-building fund committee on raising the finance without the aid of the Education Department. "You achieved your goal by your own efforts," she said. "It will be a fine and lasting memento of your first 50 years. May it give you many years of healthy relaxation and competitive achievement. "
Mr. Mead said: "The financing of the pool is a credit to the members of the Parents and Citizens' Association, and others who formed the Jubilee Swimming Committee. They raised the target of $34,000 in less than four years without any aid from the Education Department. It was the result of splendid teamwork by all the school organisations, the students and the Old Boys. The pool will be not only a very valuable school project but also a worthwhile contribution to the community."
Spectators huddled into their overcoats as John Konrads (Captain of the school in 1959) plunged into the water to swim the length of the pool. Diving champions gave an exhibition under the guidance of their coach, Mr. J. Barnett, a former Olympian. The pool opening and swimming and diving exhibitions were highlights of the school's annual fete.
-oooOOOooo-
Remember when... Jon Page swam some incredible distance at the school pool? Seemed like he was in the pool for hours. (Jon Page recalls: "In fact I swam for 13 days covering 764 km just missing the world record by 1 km because someone emptied the pool (Jon Konrads? )."
Google Maps reveals that pool is gone:
So many good times in the old STHS pool - I played in the water polo team for several years. Even made a trip to Dubbo representing the school in the state knockout. Good old days with the 3m and 1m diving board and the treacherous "deep end". Loved it.
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