The Public Baths at Pontefract was on Wednesday a scene of great enthusiasm, in which swimmers alike took part. The event was a swimming gala organised by the Pontefract Air Raid Wardens Service in aid of the Merchant Navy Fund and it is expected that the proceeds will be about £60. Keenly contested events were arranged with clockwork precision, and interest was kept at a maximum pitch. One of the three ''highlights'' of the evening was an exhibition of swimming by Miss Georgina Parry [Northern Counties and Cheshire 200 yard breast stroke champion, 1936 to 1938], and her husband, Pilot Officer Clare [British Universities representative to World Games, Monte Carlo]. Their display which included several types of swimming, was concluded  with an attractive ''waltz''.

The second outstanding event could well be regarded as an honour to Pontefract. It was the first public exhibition of the use of rubber dinghies by the R.A.F. Aided by a commentator, and airman in full kit, spectators were shown how the rubber boats are erected stage by stage, by flyers forced into the sea. The dinghy used by Bomber Command are designed to carry a complete aircrew, and the type used by Fighter Command which holds one man, were demonstrated. The evening closed with a fast and exciting water-polo match between an R.A.F. team and a team from the Pontefract district, which the former won by five goals to four. The M.C. and starter, and referee for polo, was Alderman G. Wright.J.P; and the judges for swimming were Miss Georgina Parry, Mr. F. Archer, [Yorkshire Swimming Association] and Mr. W. Colley, [Baths Manager]. The Mayor of Pontefract, Councillor F.W. Lane, was among the company; and the prizes were presented by Engineer Officer Wiggins, of the Merchant Navy.

1944 INDEX