I WAS surprised to read the “Soapbox” page in The Press of August 7 regarding Bryan Mills of Stamford Bridge belonging to the Fishergate Swimming Club in 1947/1948. Lovely memories that I can share with him: Lonz Webster was a character even though he was wheelchair-bound. He could put the fear of God in you if he was not obeyed.

I was in the school team, along with Maureen Chevens, Doreen Pheasey, all the members of York Baths Club. St George’s Baths were very cold, when the River Ouse flooded St George’s Field the baths used to smell terribly. The changing rooms on the ladies section had holes in the wooden walls; some of the lads used to come and spy through them at the girls. Jazer James used to give the lads a good whacking on their hands or across his knee with the strap.

What memories, happy days. The kids of these days have no idea their grandparents and great-grand folks had to bear in school and war years.

Mrs Barbara Pettitt, Rosemary Place, Navigation Road, York.