Smethwick
….
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
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 –
…..
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.
Compiled by Keith Law
26 February 1967 – Deep Feeling (with Jim Capaldi on drums) and Clockwork Orange
I have wonderful memories of nights “At The Baths” during the mid to late 60s. Many friendships and relationships were formed on those premises. Sadly as we weren’t as well off, or “techno” as today’s youth, very few of us carried cameras and I have no photographs of evenings spent there. I’ve lost touch with the “Smerrick” crowd, but think of them often. I can remember their names – and even some of the fashions we wore (very similar to today’s actually !). My favourite outfit was a fetching little number in lilac lace. with matching soft pumps. Ahh the days.
Thank you Thimblemill.
Kate from Edgbaston
My mates and I were 60’s regulars at the baths …… we saw The Hollies ,The Kinks,Freddie and the Dreamers , The Mersey Beats,The Pretty Things, The Who ,The Spencer Davis Group and others here it used to cost about 50p to get in.
My late father goes even further back ….. he was a bouncer at the baths during the war when the US Army had bases near by and the big bands came to entertain – possibly even Glenn Miller (not confirmed)
Those really were the days
Malcolm from Smethwick (in those days)
i can remember playing 5 a side football for smethwick hall school when the pool was boarded over ,great times
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My mom was at that same gig jennifer hayes and was asked out on a date by paul mccartney and refused to go out with him lol
I can remember along with other pool attendants putting the floor up for the winter it was hard work but we had a great laugh doing it. Then working with the wrestlers (who all came together and were great mate putting the ring up.
Oh what memories …… me and my mate Linda Powell used to dress up in our disco frocks and dance the night away on the bouncy dance floor. Had some fantastic times there. We were once pulled up onto the stage to do “our number” together in our matching dresses – hilarious !!!!!
Deborah Saunders (now Deborah Beer)
My partner John Grice passed 9/5/2018 would tell me the story of having a drink with the Beatles at the baths. And one of the girls in their group was asked out but said no. It was before they became famous. We visited the baths on our trips back to England from Aust.
My band ( The Flies) played at Smethwick Baths on 11 February 1967 and we were supporting The Move, I wonder if you can confirm this or if anyone was at the gig, it’s for a book that I’m putting together and I’m cross referencing details I already have.
Many thanks ,
Ian
I was home on leave xmas 1964\65 from the merchant navy 17 years old .I took my girl friend mary daniels there on sat nights .met my old school mates there too .bristnalhall sec; any one remember me ?
First went to dances at the bath in 65, there was a free disco when the place was rammed. It took me several visits to get the courage to get up and dance.
Fave music was the very new reggae music saw the brilliant Jimmy Cliff , at the end he was teaching all the dances to go with his music.
Remember the top acts Kinks, Who etc only played for 15 mins then moved on
To Old Hill and Plaza Handsworth.
Smethwick felt like the centre of the music world in those days , we were very privileged to see such to acts and the best local bands. Happy Days
what wonderful memories I have of this place from 1969 probably shouldn’t have been in only 16 then new sounds so many friends Robert Jones, Richard Philips, Armstrong, Smethwick Hall Crowd also Keith Cameron Steve Page Bob Senior Eddie who lived in Ernest Rd Smethwick never stopped dancing I at time Bobby Childs Happy times
Hi! Jean, how are you?
Funny finding old friends in such strange places!
Such memories we have of The Baths, like the list of all the lads you went with, but no girls! Most of that lot were like having a gang of little brothers, obviously Rob is my little brother😄! I still see Richard when I go to the hairdressers in Harbourn. Armstrong I presume is Stephen and Eddie is Eddie Blower who had the band Dansette Damage in the 70’s.
Regards Jen xx
Hi Jean, it was nice to get a mention, in your list of friends, I’ll have to try and pay you a visit, when we are next able to get to the UK. I see Jen got to this site before me. Take care, Rob.
Are their any tours of the ba
ths and tunnels that are not ghost tours?
I have relatives who are still alive who used to attend dancing there in their youth
What memories I have of those days, unfortunately I was just a couple of years too young to see the Beatles etc but still saw some great! I must have started going ‘65/‘66 season when I was 16/17!
I remember seeing The Pretty Things. The Mersey Beats, Earth (Ozzie Osbourne’s early band), The Drifters, Amen Corner, Prince Buster and the Allstars, Jimmy Cliff, The Uglies, Lemon Pipers And my all time favourites Spencer Davis Group, I still a big Steve Winwood fan and saw him on tour last in 2018!
My younger brothers used to go there too! Annoying when your 17 or 18 and your 13/14 year old brothers were there too, but I always had someone to walk home with! One of my brothers is mentioned in Jean Hughes comment above!
Hi
I am currently putting together a research project for Smethwick Baths, detailing its history. I would love to hear of people’s memories of the events you attended and especially of those times during the war. I know it was used as an air raid shelter in the Second World War…..p.s I am one of the current swimming teachers there. If anyone would like to pass there stories on please email me at tjsprt@hotmail.co.uk
Hi
I am currently researching the history of Smethwick Baths and would love to hear people’s Storie’s of this incredible building. I actually work there as a swimming teacher and know a small part of its history. I am particular keen to hear about war time memories to as I know it was used as an air raid shelter during World War Two. If you want to contact me my email is tjsprt@hotmail.co.uk
Played here in a group called Robin Adaire and The Teenbeats along with 2 other bands The Mark 5 and Formula One on November 21 1963. I still have the newspaper article from that evening with pictures although it is a little faded now.(The paper was ‘The News) The event was organised by Councillor Fred Thornton for Smethwicks ‘Freedom from Hunger Campaign’. Does anyone remember attending, it was a long time ago!!