A PRESS cutting from February 15, 1968, solves the mystery of who opened Bishop baths. Sadly, it was not Diana Rigg.
The ceremony was carried out by Alderman J Middlewood on February 8, the baths having opened to the public on October 19 1967.
In the report, Mr Middlewood says that the £300,000 it cost to build the baths would be money well spent if it meant he had to witness no more drowned bodies being removed from the Dam Head.
Having spent many years plodging around the Dam Head, I can only agree.
The opening celebrations included a diving display by Kathy Summerbell, the Northumberland and Durham springboard champion - I can't find a photograph of her, but perhaps she had dark hair and performed in a leather catsuit.
Paul Dobson, Bishop Auckland.
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