Rochdale Swimming Club 150th celebration

Rochdale Swimming Club

One of the town's oldest sporting teams, Rochdale Swimming Club, is looking for former members to help celebrate its 150th anniversary.

The club, now based at the Leisure Centre in Entwisle Road, was founded on 19 July 1868 and will be hosting a party next month to celebrate.

In its heyday Rochdale had more than 1,300 swimmers and produced a crop of champions including Commonwealth gold winner Christine Gaskell and GB water polo player Ray Powers.

In 1937 Rochdale was a driving force in establishing the Central Lancashire Swimming and Water Polo Association and still competes in its leagues today.

Around the same time the club moved from Smith Street baths to the now defunct Central Baths in Entwisle Road.

Just after London 2012 it moved into its current home, just a few metres away from the old one, and have sessions between Monday and Friday.

Currently the club has around 180 members and provides swimming opportunities for children aged between four and 18.

It also has lessons at Heywood Sports Village between 4pm and 6pm on Sundays.

For more information on the event contact Mrs Ford on 01706 372246 or email:

rochdaleswimmingclub@outlook.com

Rochdale Swimming Club 150th celebration will take place at Rochdale Golf Club on Saturday 14 July, 7.30pm start, with tickets which include supper costing £5.