Birthday for 'Beatles' baths

A Black Country swimming baths which has played host to The Beatles is celebrating its 75th birthday with a trip down memory lane.

Smethwick's swimming baths used to double up as one of the UK's top music venues and in winter the pool was covered over with wooden boards to allow the likes of Mick Jagger and the Fab Four to raise the roof.

The Smethwick Swimming Centre is now celebrating its 75th birthday and is taking visitors on a journey to learn of its fascinating past.

Duty manager Andy Moore said he and other staff had helped document the venue's history to mark the celebrations next Saturday and Sunday.

He said: "We are carrying out a tour for visitors over the weekend and these are fully booked. We are holding a 1930s weekend and there will be a lot of events taking place next Saturday and Sunday."

The Art Deco building on Thimblemill Road, which opened on March 30, 1933, may look a little bit worse for wear these days but in its heyday it was a striking example of the period's architecture.

It was based on a German design for an aircraft hanger as can be seen from its high, arched ceilings.

In the past Smethwick Swimming Centre has held major international swimming championships. In the winter season the pool itself would be covered over so the baths could double up as a concert hall.

Known as Thimblemill Baths it become one of the main venues on the music circuit. Like the Plaza in Old Hill, big names would play there.

The Beatles performed on November 19 1962 just before they hit the big time. The Kinks played there on February 27, 1965 and The Who on January 22, 1966.

Also Pop Idol judge Pete Waterman credited the venue as changing his life according to staff.

As a DJ in the 1960s the then manager would not let him in saying he was too fat.

Pete apparently decided to lose weight after this encounter saying it had been constructive criticism.

As part of the 1930s celebration weekend swimmers will be charged just 75 pence entrance fee and there will be half price gym inductions and free saunas.

Visitors will also be entertained with a 1930s barrel organ.

There will also be a presentation from staff on the history of the centre as well as displays from Sandwell Valley nature reserve, Smethwick Heritage Centre and the Black Country Living Museum.