Stories Past

by Lindsay Braden - Researcher Anglesea & District Historical Society

Anglesea River Swimming 1920s Style

uring the Christmas holidays of 1920, it was reported that visitors to Anglesea were loud in their praises of the improvements made to the river swimming facilities.

On Boxing Day hundreds of callers were said to have used for the first time the new change sheds, plus a wooden diving tower and platform. These were between the bridge and the Sports Club shed.

Before the era of everyone seeming to own a car, groups travelled across for the day as a picnic party in either a converted furniture van, or charabanc.

By 1938 hot water for a cuppa, or food for lunch could easily be bought at the Bridge Cafe just across the road.

People's sporting requirements changed after WW2. - surfing became more popular. The old facilities left the scene as the new bridge was built in 1968.