'Leisure centres aren't the same' (From Barry And District News)

'Leisure centres aren't the same'

A FORMER Barry lifeguard has taken a trip down Memory Lane as the town bids farewell to the famous Knap Lido.

John Wells was assistant baths manager for many years at the open-air pool and remembers days filled with fun and community spirit.

He also remembers the hordes of children he taught to swim.

While he admits landscaping it might be the only option, he is disappointed at the end of an era.

The 80-year-old told the News: "The Knap wasn't just a place for families and friends to gather.

"As chairman of the Lifeguard Club, I saw hundreds of kids coming to the Knap to learn how to swim, alongside young people taking their lifesaving exams."

John, of St Andrews Road, was also a member of the RNLI in Barry, as engineer, signal man and radio operator. He also attended many call-outs and after 32 years in service, he and his team were responsible for saving 113 lives.

But it was his time at Cold Knap that was brought back to him after he read the front page of the News last week.

He said: "I have fond memories of the place. I was under the management of Harry Baker. The lifeguards had a chalet over there every year so we could be on duty whenever there were people in the water.

"As a member of the Royal Life Saving Society, I had to achieve my bronze level as a swimming instructor, which qualified me for teaching children.

"Every day, working for the Barry Corporation, schools would take it in turns to come down between 9am and 4pm for swimming instruction.

"It was a sad day when they closed the Knap Lido. I know there are leisure centres now, but there isn't quite the same spirit there as in the Knap. It's a shame that future generations won't be able to enjoy what countless people took for granted."