The Temple Park pool which had South Tyneside kids flocking and had one of the first wave machines

Let’s dive in to South Tyneside’s past for memories of one of the most popular leisure spots in its day.

It was seven years ago when the wrecking ball came down on the abandoned Temple Park swimming pool.

The sad day had been on the way for a while. Council chiefs revealed plans in 2018 to demolish the pool section of Temple Park leisure centre in South Shields.

It brought an end to a decades old attraction, which was opened in the 1970s, and was one of the first to have a wave machine in the region which was enjoyed by scores of youngsters.

We want your memories of the pool which many people will still remember. Tell us if you were there on the day the pool was closed in October 2013 when residents were given the chance to have a farewell swim for just £1.

Or maybe you were there on the opening day. The pool’s story began around 50 years ago when construction was underway in 1975, and the facility was fully operational by late 1977.

It was soon a huge hit with popular features like the wave machine.

It was in 2019 when the popular spot finally came down with other parts of the building, including squash courts, a gym and gymnastics area, kept open. Once it did close, a cross section of the pool became visible, with the much-loved “Aquablaster” water slide, overhead pipes and depth signs all on show.

And it was in that same year when Shields Gazette shared memories of the pool. You talked of Saturday morning swims, playing with friends and family, and tucking into post-swim canteen food.

Some of you remembered deep pool diving, waves, slides and gravy chips.

We want you to relive those special memories and you can do so by emailing [email protected]

Or maybe there is another part of South Tyneside history you would like us to look at. Perhaps there is a favourite pub, club, restaurant, shop or nightclub you would like to see in our nostalgia section. Get in touch to tell us more.