Thimblemill Baths- Smethwick

[Velvett Fogg]

Thimblemill Baths

Smethwick

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c187/john-wayne/Unsigned%20City/195187_b4dec098.jpg....http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c187/john-wayne/Unsigned%20City/SmethwickBathsOutside.jpg

Thimblemill Road Baths are now 75 years old.
and are known are more recently as
Smethwick Swimming Centre

The art deco style baths opened in 1933
and was once known as a top concert venue
with bands including the
The Beatles, The Kinks, the Small Faces and The Rolling Stones appearing here in the 1960s.
The Beatles performed here on November 19th 1962
just before they hit the big time.
As in the other 'bath' venues many of the local
bands would appear here, either as the main attraction,
or in support

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c187/john-wayne/Unsigned%20City/SmethwickBaths_14.jpg

The lounge (now the gym) overlooking the pool,
as it was when opened in 1933.
The art deco wall decorations are still visible.
In the winter season the pool would be covered over so the baths
could be used as a concert hall.
They were also used for musical events -

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c187/john-wayne/Unsigned%20City/SmethwickBathsInside.jpg.....http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c187/john-wayne/Unsigned%20City/SmethwickBaths_13.jpg

A photographic exhibition has been displayed in the baths
for the past three months which traces it's history
and includes one report which tells of how
The Beatles having played at the Cavern in Liverpool one afternoon, then headed to Smethwick
for a "prestigious" gig at Thimblemill Road Baths.

[atemiwaza]

I was interested in the post on Thimblemill baths I worked at both the baths at Bearwood and Rolfe street in the 1950's we had some top bands at the regular Saturday dances and privately booked Friday dances I used to set up the sound equipment on stage and play records during the interval on a twin deck top of the range player.
some of the bands we had- Ronnie Hancock, Susan Maughan was his singer I think she was about 16 he looked after her like his daughter.
He had a regular weekly booking.
Vernon Adcock another regular booking.
Some of the others- Edmundo Ross ,the chap who booked him did not understand the system -all who arrived from London was the Bass- Piano-Drums all the rest were session men some of who I recognised from other bands; Edmundo arrived when all was set to go, in the best looking car I had seen.
Victor Sylvester played here.
One thought stands out- I was getting set up to play the interval records a kid comes along and begs me to play a record he had brought along I think it was bill hayleys "Rock around the clock" I said ok, when I played it the kids rushed on the floor and started dancing or jumping about all the dust was coming up from the cracks in the sprung Maple floor I thought it was great- Mr Francis the superintendant came down from his flat and told me not to ever play any other records than the one he gave me on his play list which was sent to the performing rights society monthly, I now believe he was protecting his floor from damage as we had major dance competitions held here.
We had lots of Bands I cant remember all of them it is a long time ago. Regards Jim Woodcock

[Bill Bonham]

I was interested in the post on Thimblemill baths I worked at both the baths at Bearwood and Rolfe street in the 1950's we had some top bands at the regular Saturday dances and privately booked Friday dances I used to set up the sound equipment on stage and play records during the interval on a twin deck top of the range player.
some of the bands we had- Ronnie Hancock, Susan Maughan was his singer I think she was about 16 he looked after her like his daughter.
He had a regular weekly booking.
Vernon Adcock another regular booking.
Some of the others- Edmundo Ross ,the chap who booked him did not understand the system -all who arrived from London was the Bass- Piano-Drums all the rest were session men some of who I recognised from other bands; Edmundo arrived when all was set to go, in the best looking car I had seen.
Victor Sylvester played here.
One thought stands out- I was getting set up to play the interval records a kid comes along and begs me to play a record he had brought along I think it was bill hayleys "Rock around the clock" I said ok, when I played it the kids rushed on the floor and started dancing or jumping about all the dust was coming up from the cracks in the sprung Maple floor I thought it was great- Mr Francis the superintendant came down from his flat and told me not to ever play any other records than the one he gave me on his play list which was sent to the performing rights society monthly, I now believe he was protecting his floor from damage as we had major dance competitions held here.
We had lots of Bands I cant remember all of them it is a long time ago. Regards Jim Woodcock


Cool nostalgia is always welcome

[Velvett Fogg]

Hi Jim,
First of all
WELCOME to the forum,
and we hope you take a look around.

Thanks for your post, which for continuity,
I have merged into our dedicated thread.
Thanks so much for your first hand memories.
Please join in when you can.

[WaxMan]

One thought stands out- I was getting set up to play the interval records a kid comes along and begs me to play a record he had brought along I think it was bill hayleys "Rock around the clock" I said ok, when I played it the kids rushed on the floor and started dancing or jumping about all the dust was coming up from the cracks in the sprung Maple floor I thought it was great- Mr Francis the superintendant came down from his flat and told me not to ever play any other records than the one he gave me on his play list which was sent to the performing rights society monthly, I now believe he was protecting his floor from damage as we had major dance competitions held here.

I laughed out loud at that.. cheers for the post