The recent news that Scartho Baths is to close has touched hearts across the borough, but none more so than two dedicated women who have spent many years working at the pool. In an exclusive interview Katie Blackburn dived into these ladies memories to seek out their background and hear their thoughts on the current situation. We also trawled through the Telegraph's picture archive for some magic moments at the pool.
BY THE time many reach their 70s, the thought of still working is unimaginable – unless you are like Evelyn Broadbent who, at the age of 73, has no intentions of giving up the career she has committed her life to.
The proud team member of Scartho Baths jokes about being part of the furniture after applying for her job when the venue first opened in December 1962.
Fifty years on and Evelyn has no thoughts of throwing in the towel just yet, as staff and customers are like her extended family.
However, the pool does not only remind her of a long-standing career, it also has personal memories, too.
Evelyn explained: "I was a lifeguard at first for 27 years and loved every minute of it.
"What made it even better was meeting the love of my life on the pool side.
"My late husband Ken was also a lifeguard and romance blossomed over time.
"He was part of the diving team at the pool and I have some lovely photos of him to look back on.
"We were married for 43 years before he died about 11 years ago from a heart attack.
"We had a son, Craig, and at just three months old I took him for the first time to Scartho Baths.
"I would carry him on the number six bus in a sling across my body.
"Now I enjoy watching my two grandchildren come and use the pool."
During her dedicated service at the baths, Evelyn has worked in the fitness studio, laundry room, as a swimming instructor and now runs diving lessons.
However, as time moved on, it brought changes.
"When I first started working here, swimming was all about progressing. Now it is all tailored towards competing and diving for that next badge or award," she said.
"Health and safety rules were a lot less restrictive 30 years ago, now you have to be very careful.
"The pool used to organise an annual pantomime aqua show to mark the end of each year, but that stopped a while ago.
"It is not at all like it was 20 years ago.
"I think the industry is all about making money now, but I suppose it is the same with every business."
Evelyn has many highlights of working at the pool, but her least favourite moment has to be the latest news that the pool on Scartho Road will close and a new £8.4 million leisure centre built in Cromwell Road, Grimsby.
She said: "The best part about working here so long is that I have seen generations of families come through the doors.
"Grandmas will come up to me and tell me that I taught them to swim – it does make you feel old but it's a nice feeling as well.
"Hearing that the pool is to close is very upsetting, particularly for me with my personal memories attached.
"It is in a perfect location here, central to a lot of people. I think the other one will lose the loyal customers this one has.
"It is the end of an era, but I have no plans to give up working yet."
Meanwhile, the pool is a second home for a mother and son who between them have devoted 47 years to it.
Sandra Shotton, of Cleethorpes, has been a swimming instructor at the venue for the past 25 years – alongside her son Kevin, who has been a lifeguard for 22 years.
The mum-of-two classes her job as a passion and not something she sees as work.
However, it has not always been this way as 30 years ago Sandra could not swim even a width of the pool.
She said: "I decided to take my two children to swimming lessons at Scartho Baths before they were ten – they are now in their 30s.
"Seeing them have fun and enjoying the sport inspired me to get into the pool.
"I began having lessons and soon enough I was progressing and have never looked back. I love being able to share my enthusiasm for swimming with others and helping children to learn."
Sandra believes her job is rewarding and thanks management for allowing her to pursue what she loves the most.
She is deeply saddened that Scartho Baths is to close and believes a historical facility in Grimsby will be lost.
She said: "It is sad that it has had to come down to closing the venue, which is used by so many people.
"Generations of families have used the pool over the years and we have various clubs and activities that go on here.
"For my son and I, Scartho Baths is a second home, we have close friends and regular customers to chat to.
"For those like Evelyn and me, the new venue will not be the same. We have too many personal memories attached to Scartho Baths."
General manager Craig Henton said: "These ladies are inspirational and really highlight what being a committed team member is all about.
"Not only have they taught old school-style swimming, but they have also been able to adapt to modern ways, too.
"Staff at Scartho Baths recently celebrated the venue's 50th anniversary, together with staff at Cleethorpes Leisure Centre who raised a glass to their venue's 30th year.
"With dedicated staff like Evelyn and Sandra, they make customers feel welcome and wanting to come back again."
