When Wymondham’s first swimming pool was opened by William G. Smith on Saturday 25th July 1931 in Brewery Lane it certainly made a big splash! The townsfolk had seen nothing like it as previously those wanting to bathe had relied on damming the River Tiffey. It was no surprise, therefore, that a large enthusiastic crowd turned up for the official opening, which featured diving, swimming and life-saving displays. A diving display by the Heigham (Norwich) Penguins Swimming Club thrilled the spectators, but it was local boy Alan Cross, who was the first person to enter the pool. Alan, who went on to set up an electrician’s business, had made tea for workmen when they were building the bath.

The premises had been the home of Cann’s brewery until 1894 and after that for a time it was occupied by S.D.Page & Sons, the brush makers, but Mr. Smith, the builders and Mr. J.S.Fowler of Wymondham, who was responsible for designs and plans, had done a good job. The conversion resulted in an “up to date” swimming-bath with “all the necessary fittings for high diving and a chute for children.” It boasted “well appointed” dressing-rooms having accommodation for 75 persons, together with seven bath rooms and four shower baths, as well as a resident instructor in attendance.

Many local clubs availed themselves of the facility, among them those of the Briton Brush factory, the Co-op (CWS) factory, the Men’s Club, the Ex-Servicemen’s Club and The Town Club. The Penguins enjoyed a traditional Christmas Day swim and would travel to the pool weekly on a Sunday morning by cycle or motor cycle. They were just one of a number of clubs from further afield who once used the pool, among them being ones from Norwich, Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft.

The bath served the town until closure in 1953 and it wasn’t until 1999 that the current pool at the leisure centre was opened after the Swym Committee had been fund-raising since 1976.