Your say: history of heated pool

In 1966, the idea of an indoor heated pool was put forward by Mr John Digby a local stock and station agent, Mr Hilton Ellis a local builder and former municipal councillor and Mr Bill Crouch a well respected local farmer.

All three were either parents or grandparents of good and keen swimmers who were members of the Forbes Swimming Club.

Mr Ian MacCallum arrived in Forbes as a keen swimmer himself and was quickly made the Honourary Secretary of the Forbes Swimming Club.

Ian had always been a keen swimmer, first swimming in Dee Why, then at the University of Sydney as well as playing water polo. He was always willing to serve on the organising committee of the heated pool and found it personally satisfying.

The idea of a heated pool was unique at the time. It was to allow swimming club members to prepare for State competitions, giving country kids the same opportunities as their city competitors. It also allowed for swimming lessons to be extended.

It was decided to raise funds to build the pool by Art Union lotteries with wonderful prizes of new motor vehicles. The first few lotteries allowed for the commencement of building the heated pool and gymnasium on its present site next to the Council-owned outdoor pool. 22 lotteries were held over a period of 20 years which contributed o the completion of the facility and annual running costs.

The pool opened in 1968 as the Forbes War Memorial Swimming Gymnasium Centre. Since being opened, the pool has run by subscription of memberships by Forbes residents and the wider community.

The gymnasium gave the project a wider community appeal with long standing Forbes residents, Mr John Smith teaching boxing and Mr Barry Mann teaching various gymnastics, There were also other activities held at the gymnasium.

However, some years later, the Council took over the gym section of the building, leaving the heated pool as a separate entity and sole responsibility of the subscribed members.

It is worth noting that since the outset, local Mr Murray White has been in charge of water management, with attendance at the pool 7 days a week, retiring at the end of February 2018. This is true dedication and Mr White must be commended on the wonderful service he has provided.

With age, death or departure to other towns diminishing the number and capacity of the original committee, an Annual General Meeting was held in 2016. A new management committee was formed from subscribed members of the heated pool.

At this time, the heated pool became an incorporated body to reflect the true description of the facility and is now known as Forbes Heated Pool Incorporated.

The pool is used to teach young people to swim, for swimming club training, rehabilitation for those who have had surgery, exercise and social therapy. Seniors especially are finding this most therapeutic.

Community groups who use the pool on a regular basis are House with No Steps, Lachlan Health, and the Department of Veterans Affairs to name a few.

Despite the pool being located in Forbes and being well used by Forbes Shire residents and ratepayers, others travel from places such as Condobolin, Tullamore, Parkes, Peak Hill, Tichborne, Grenfell, West Wyalong and Eugowra to enjoy this facility.

The Forbes Heated Pool is a vital part of the community and an important social meeting place. It is probably one of the most unique facilities in Australia in that little taxpayer or local Council money has been spent on the establishment or running of the pool. The only Council contribution was for $7,000 to put in gas heating for the showers.

However, as with any building of 50 years of age, time has caught up and its is now in need of complete refurbishment. The management committee is currently compiling a program for works to be undertaken.