CLICK HERE TO ADD YOUR EVENT

Exhibition celebrates centenary of Renfrew Victory Baths

A special exhibition is being staged to mark the centenary of Renfrew’s Victory Baths!

Exhibition celebrates centenary of Renfrew Victory Baths

Article Source: Renfrewshire Leisure
Last Updated: 13 September 2021 13:59

People will get the chance to see and hear about the amazing history of the swimming pool, which was officially opened on September 19, 1921 and is now run by the charity, Renfrewshire Leisure.

The baths were gifted to the town by shipbuilder and government minister, Sir Frederick Lobnitz who, along with his wife, Lady Lobnitz and Lady Blythswood conducted the opening ceremony watched by crowds of locals.

The Renfrew Victory Baths Centenary Exhibition opens on Sunday, September 19 and apart from the public holiday on September 24, runs every day until Sunday, September 26.

People interested in seeing the exhibition at the pool can book a tour on weekdays at 10.30am, 1.30pm and 7.30pm as well as during the weekend at 10.30am, 11.30am and 12.30pm. To book a place on the exhibition tour, call 0141 618 4914.

Following Covid regulations, tours must be booked for Test and Protect purposes and are limited to ten places per tour. Face masks must be worn unless exempt.

To help celebrate the centenary, Renfrewshire Leisure is reducing the charge for swimmers to 100p (£1) per swim and £4 for a family swim at the Victory Baths, on its actual anniversary day, Sunday September 19.

The Baths will also offer extended opening hours of 9am to 7pm on September 20, 21, 22 and 23.

As part of the exhibition, a film called, ‘The Man Who Made Renfrew Victory Baths’ will be screened, showing how renowned architect of the period, Thomas Abercrombie designed the Baths.

Abercrombie was born in Paisley and was responsible for the design of some iconic buildings in the town, including the former Royal Alexandra Infirmary, the YMCA buildings in New Street, Wallneuk Church and the former Paisley Baths, in Storie Street.

The Tannahill Makar for Renfrewshire, Brian Whittingham, has also written a poem, called ‘Back In The Day’ to mark the centenary.

The exhibition will also feature the story of two Olympic swimmers, William Francis and Hugh Smith who trained at the Victory Baths and competed in the 1928 Amsterdam Olympic Games.

And the background will be revealed about former Eastenders soap actor, the late Ross Davidson who played water polo at Victory Baths and went on to represent Scotland. As part of the Renfrew Aqua Water Polo Club he won a Scottish league and cup double in 1975.

Councillor Lisa-Marie Hughes, Chair of Renfrewshire Leisure said: “The Victory Baths is an iconic building in Renfrew and has been part of the lives of people from the town for generations.

“It has a great history with many stories connected to the swimming pool and the people who swam there. I know the exhibition showing the history of the Baths will be of great interest to people of all ages”

“We are delighted to be celebrating the centenary of the Victory Baths, which have been at the heart of the community for 100 years. Renfrewshire Council has recently invested around £100,000 in the essential plant that supports the swimming pool, and we have invested in new internal and external lighting and interior decoration so that the Baths are looking their best for their big birthday.

“Swimming is as popular now as it’s ever been, not just at the Victory Baths, but across all of the pools run by Renfrewshire Leisure.

“Its popularity has increased since lockdown restrictions eased, which has been great to see as we work with people to help with their health and wellbeing, which is so important to our region's recovery from the pandemic."


More information about Renfrewshire Leisure’s pools and how to book swim sessions can be found here www.renfrewshireleisure.com.

Sponsored Links

One Ren
Renfrewshire Council
St Columba's School
The Quay
Paisley First
Media Shop

Latest Renfrewshire News

BTS fans take the spotlight in latest K Pop documentary heading to Vue

BTS fans take the spotlight in latest K Pop documentary heading to Vue

BTS Army: Forever We Are Young, a brand-new documentary celebrating the fans that helped catapult 21st century pop icons BTS into global stardom comes to Vue.

READ MORE
Jason Manford to play Paisley Town Hall as part of tour

Jason Manford to play Paisley Town Hall as part of tour

Comedian, actor, singer and presenter is latest big name to announce date at venue.

READ MORE
SAY Award opens submissions for eligible albums

SAY Award opens submissions for eligible albums

Scotland’s national music prize – the Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award – has opened submissions for 2025’s £20,000 prize.

READ MORE
Set sail for Paisley and enjoy a swashbuckling adventure on the high seas!

Set sail for Paisley and enjoy a swashbuckling adventure on the high seas!

Ahoy there mateys! The Pirates of Paisley is this year's must visit FREE summer brick adventure!

READ MORE
Paisley Town Hall bells mark Imagination Library becoming permanent

Paisley Town Hall bells mark Imagination Library becoming permanent

Much loved reading programme, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in Renfrewshire, celebrated becoming permanent with bell chimes.

READ MORE
Great value summer holiday activities at Dobbies Garden Centres

Great value summer holiday activities at Dobbies Garden Centres

This summer, gather the whole family and head to Dobbies Garden Centres for a day of fun-filled activities that will keep costs down.

READ MORE
Crowds celebrate the summer at Barshaw Gala Day

Crowds celebrate the summer at Barshaw Gala Day

Thousands turned out to celebrate summer at Barshaw Park on Saturday for Barshaw Gala Day.

READ MORE
FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores returns on 5th and 6th July

FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores returns on 5th and 6th July

Summerfest, the FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores, is back on the 5th and 6th of July with lots of things to see and do!

READ MORE
Grab your free reusable cup!

Grab your free reusable cup!

Fancy grabbing a free reusable takeaway cup and then getting a discount on your next drink from some of our local cafes?

READ MORE
Thorn Athletic and Inchinnan Development Trust to create brand new artificial pitches in Renfrewshire

Thorn Athletic and Inchinnan Development Trust to create brand new artificial pitches in Renfrewshire

Two major community sports projects in Renfrewshire are set to benefit from a significant funding boost.

READ MORE
Earlybird tickets drive buzz for 2026 Scottish Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Home Show

Earlybird tickets drive buzz for 2026 Scottish Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Home Show

The biggest show of its kind in Scotland returns with Earlybird tickets and a give-away with headline sponsor Border Caravans!

READ MORE
July events at Dobbies Garden Centres

July events at Dobbies Garden Centres

Check out July at Dobbies with it's Little Seedlings Club on rainforests and Grow How on pest control and healthy gardens!

READ MORE
Refurbished play park is a big success with local pupils

Refurbished play park is a big success with local pupils

Pupils from Auchenlodment Primary School in Johnstone gave their refurbished play park a big thumbs up after it underwent a major upgrade earlier this year.

READ MORE
Historic Environment Scotland calls for public stories for national wellbeing exhibition

Historic Environment Scotland calls for public stories for national wellbeing exhibition

Historic Environment Scotland is calling for people across the country to connect with heritage to boost their wellbeing as a part of a national campaign, Historic Places, Breathing Spaces.

READ MORE
Clan Wrestling returns to Braehead Arena with former WWE Champions

Clan Wrestling returns to Braehead Arena with former WWE Champions

After their first event in March, Clash of the Clans, Clan Wrestling makes its return to Braehead Arena on Saturday 6th September for its second event!

READ MORE
Renfrewshire invited to honour Armed Forces community

Renfrewshire invited to honour Armed Forces community

The Armed Forces Day flag will be raised outside Renfrewshire House on Friday in a short service to mark Armed Forces Day.

READ MORE
Works set to be undertaken to restore historic Kilbarchan Steeple buildings

Works set to be undertaken to restore historic Kilbarchan Steeple buildings

Councillors have agreed a £350,000 contract to carry out repairs to the historic Kilbarchan Steeple Buildings.

READ MORE
Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 adds two new categories and voting deadline extended!

Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 adds two new categories and voting deadline extended!

Scotland's hospitality industry and customers have spoken, and the Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 has listened!

READ MORE
Young people to choose their winners as Celebrating Renfrewshire Fund voting opens

Young people to choose their winners as Celebrating Renfrewshire Fund voting opens

Voting has opened for this year's Celebrating Renfrewshire Fund as young people get the chance to vote for the projects they think will make the most difference in their communities.

READ MORE
Get set for summer at Barshaw Gala Day

Get set for summer at Barshaw Gala Day

Crowds are set to soak up the summer vibes at Barshaw Gala Day with an afternoon packed full of exciting activities for all the family!

READ MORE
25th year of Refugee Festival Scotland gets underway

25th year of Refugee Festival Scotland gets underway

Refugee Festival Scotland gets underway today, kick-starting nine days of dance performances, film screenings, visual art and photography exhibitions and community events across the country.

READ MORE
Exclusive Superman screening at Vue venues in Scotland

Exclusive Superman screening at Vue venues in Scotland

Tickets are on sale for an exclusive Superman screening at Vue venues in Scotland, with fans in for an extra special treat to take home.

READ MORE
XSite Braehead accelerates into summer with a major car event

XSite Braehead accelerates into summer with a major car event

On Saturday, 28th June, Chrome 'n' Classics will host its annual event in the XSite car park for the first time – showcasing over 200 classic, custom, American, and vintage cars!

READ MORE
Programme revealed for the 2025 Sma Shot Day celebrations

Programme revealed for the 2025 Sma Shot Day celebrations

Paisley town centre will host a day-long programme of entertainment this summer to celebrate Sma' Shot Day – one of the world's oldest worker's festivals.

READ MORE
Ready, Steady, Go! Paisley CarFest is back this weekend!

Ready, Steady, Go! Paisley CarFest is back this weekend!

Paisley's CarFest is returning to Paisley town centre this Saturday, 14th June, with a fun day out for all the family guaranteed!

READ MORE
Acclaimed debut Only Here, Only Now from Tom Newlands chosen as Waterstones Book of the Month in Scotland

Acclaimed debut Only Here, Only Now from Tom Newlands chosen as Waterstones Book of the Month in Scotland

The paperback edition of Only Here, Only Now by Tom Newlands has just been released - and is already making waves.

READ MORE
Star supporting Gary Barlow visits Kibble kids in Paisley for music session

Star supporting Gary Barlow visits Kibble kids in Paisley for music session

Rising music star and Channel 4's The Piano winner Brad Kella visited Kibble's Goudie Academy to meet with care-experienced young people, share his story and inspire the next generation of musicians.

READ MORE
Funding Boost for Charities at Scottish Building Society AGM

Funding Boost for Charities at Scottish Building Society AGM

Scottish Building Society marked its Annual General Meeting (AGM) by announcing funding to support eight local charities and good causes across the country.

READ MORE
Classic car enthusiasts set to visit Loch Lomond Shores

Classic car enthusiasts set to visit Loch Lomond Shores

Visitors are invited to come along and get up-close to some amazing cars, set against the beautiful backdrop of Loch Lomond, as part of a great day out.

READ MORE
Local people invited to have their say on proposed Brown Institute garden

Local people invited to have their say on proposed Brown Institute garden

Renfrewshire Council is inviting local residents, businesses and partners to have their say on proposals for a public garden on the site of the former Brown Institute in Renfrew.

READ MORE

Sponsored Links

Link
Paisley Town Hall Wedding Fayre
One Ren
Go Radio
Hostelworld
ATG

Sponsored Links

One Ren
Renfrewshire Council
St Columba's School
The Quay
Paisley First
Media Shop
Link
Paisley Town Hall Wedding Fayre
One Ren
Go Radio
Hostelworld
ATG

Popular Events

XSite Funfair
The XSite Funfair returns for the summer holidays with the new Surge, Miami, Twister, the one and only Starfighter and the apple rollercoaster!
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Greenock Light Opera Club return to Beacon Arts Centre in November with their production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - The Musical!
Renfrewshire Ladies (Chat, Meet-up) Meet & Greet Session
Come along to La Creme in Bridge Of Weir and meet other ladies from the Renfrewshire Ladies (Chat, Meet-up) Facebook Group in a relaxed, informal setting.
World Tae Kwon-Do Championships
Tae Kwon-Do International's 2025 World Championships being held for the first time in Scotland at the fantastic Braehead Arena on Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th July!
Boogie & Brunch at IKEA Glasgow (Adults Only)
Get ready to take a chance on the most joyful brunch of the season... introducing ABBA Brunch at IKEA Glasgow!

Popular Listings

Beacon Arts Centre Braehead Arena Johnstone Town Hall Old Swan Inn Paisley Paisley Abbey Paisley Arts Centre Paisley Town Hall Robertson Park Renfrew The Bungalow Paisley Venue Paisley