These three stalwart swimmers were regulars at the Tumbling Bay pool off Botley Road, Oxford.

They were, left to right, Bill Shorter, Jim Megitt and Brendan Carter and are seen in their swimming regalia in July 1994.

Apparently, Bill could tell the time from the elevation of the sun above the willows at the west end!

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As we have recalled, Tumbling Bay, affectionately known as ‘Tum’, was one of Oxford’s most popular outdoor swimming pools for nearly 150 years, opening in 1853 and closing, officially at least, in 1990.

Its busiest period was in the post-war years, with more than 86,000 admissions between May and September 1947.

It has become a nature reserve and swimming there continues. The Tumbling Bay Preservation Society was formed in 2022.

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About the author 

Andy is the Trade and Tourism reporter for the Oxford Mail and you can sign up to his newsletters for free here. 

He joined the team more than 20 years ago and he covers community news across Oxfordshire.

His Trade and Tourism newsletter is released every Saturday morning. 

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