Tragedy reminded me of Severn swim (From Worcester News)

Tragedy reminded me of Severn swim

8:00am Wednesday 8th July 2009 in

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SIR – As a young lad I remember learning to swim in the Severn, quite safely as many mums and dads must have thought, in the flow along the side of the Pitchcroft where Tony Ballard so tragically drowned. In those days, the 1930s and 40s, this stretch of river was a city council supervised swimming area and in those long hot summers hundreds flocked to the riverbank.

The polio scare brought an end to river swimming for most and the council took over the running of Mr Parkes swimming baths in Sansome Walk.

Remembering those days which gave such pleasure and confidence to many youngsters like myself, it brings a great sadness to accept that where we enjoyed, such a tragic event could follow.

LES TAYLOR,

Droitwich.