A FRIEND has kept me in touch with the progress of Hillingdon Sports and Leisure Centre.

I lived in the area for years and probably spent hundreds of hours at the old pool, now the lido. I think the season ticket was 17s 6d.

A crowd of us used to cycle down the drive to the pool. Below the ticket office was a square of blackboard with the water temperature chalked on it.

I can't remember our 'not on your life' temperature, but if it was below this, the front cyclist turned round and came out - and we all followed.

However, I have swum in freezing cold water and had purple goose bumps as a result. But the buttered toast and hot Bovril from the lovely ladies in the café was life-saving.

The Gazette pictures I received from my friend have been forwarded to my younger brother in Tasmania. I asked him if he remembered the fountains where my friend and I used to sit on the lower wall.

In his email he said he was one of the children who used to sit on the top so the water squirted over anyone passing, fully clothed or otherwise. He remembers being turfed out of the pool on more than one occasion.

What lovely, freezing, happy memories and good luck and joy to all who swim in her.

MU (Muriel) MILLER (née Cooper) Via email