On Friday the Baths will celebrate 50-years since the grand opening by the Hon Davis Hughes MLA, Minister for Public Works on November 27, 1965.

The beginnings of the Baths started with the formation of a committee to raise public funds.

In February 1963, the then Tenterfield Municipal Council granted approval to proceed with construction of the Baths at an estimated cost of £30,000.

An additional amount of £10,000 was borrowed through a grant subsidy from the NSW Public Works, this being subsequently approved on August 21, 1963.

At this point in time the committee had already raised £11,000 towards the project, with its target being £12,000.

The committee’s final payment was in fact £14,000 with a further amount of £1,200 being donated to council for the construction of a clubroom and store room.

With construction of the Baths well underway in January of 1965, a combined meeting of the Municipal Council, Swimming Club and the War Memorial Baths Committee in February 1965 decided on the plan for a suitable grandstand.

An amount of £2,334 was donated from proceeds of the Festival of the Willows Committee towards the grandstand.

In early May 1965 the Baths were first filled with water from the Tenterfield Creek (by the Tenterfield Fire Brigade) to assist with the curing of the concrete.

The first Manager of the Baths, Bill Bethe, was appointed and the Baths were in use by the public in October 1965.

The final cost of the pool was £41,000 with the official opening attended by 1,000 people.

To coincide with the event, Member for Lismore Thomas George will present a cheque for $7,000 to council for the purchase of an electric, stainless steel BBQ to enhance the usability and facilities of the Baths for the whole community.

“The request for financial assistance came from the community with the Swimming Club keen to hold family gatherings and a BBQ at the Pool after training,” mayor Peter Petty said.

Members of the community are invited to attend the anniversary celebrations at 12 noon on Friday, November 27.