Memories of those sunny days at Dunstable’s California swimming pool

The pool was dug in 1935 at the foot of Dunstable Downs, with a beautiful fountain at one end.

Sun bathers could relax on the grassy slopes above and the idyllic setting attracted crowds of people whenever the weather was kind.

This photo, showing the pool at its best, was probably taken in around 1957.

Unfortunately, the open-air pool would be deserted on cooler days, which was most of the time, and it was then used only by parties of shivering schoolchildren who had been bussed in for their regular swimming lessons.

When Dunstable Borough Council decided to build a heated indoor pool at Court Drive, the California’s days were numbered. It closed in 1973.

> Yesteryear is compiled by John Buckledee, chairman of Dunstable and District Local History Society.