The swimming galas at Temple Cowley pool in Oxford were one of the highlights of the schools’ sporting calendar.

Pupils were selected by their schools to take part in a series of events, in the hope of winning a trophy.

There was fierce competition among those in the water and spirited support from their classmates and teachers crowding the poolside.

Galas were held annually at junior, intermediate and senior levels.

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Children would compete in 50 yards breaststroke, 50 yards freestyle, 50 yards backstroke, 25 yards butterfly, and diving as well as in medley and freestyle relays.

Most pupils would regard it as a great honour to represent their school at such a prestigious event.

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The heated, indoor Temple Cowley pool proved very popular at schools - for the first time, pupils could learn to swim in warm water.

Many will remember Mollie Bateson, the instructor responsible for teaching hundreds of youngsters to swim there.

Earlier, swimmers had had to take their first strokes at outside, unheated pools - Hinksey pool off Abingdon Road and in rivers across the city, notably at Wolvercote, Long Bridges near Donnington Bridge, Tumbling Bay off Botley Road and St Clement’s, behind St Clement’s Church, off Marston Road.

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Other popular pools included the two in University Parks - Dames’ Delight and Parsons’ Pleasure.

Dames’ Delight was for both sexes, but Parsons’ Pleasure was for men only - women were advised to get off punts and walk round to avoid seeing naked men swimming and sunbathing!