Community researcher – Michele Shoebridge
From the early nineteenth century the locals used the river above the Head Weir for bathing and swimming. It was an unregulated and dangerous activity and led to loss of life as there were no rescue facilities. In 1867 the City Council took over the site and built platforms and huts. Subsequently, an annual swimming match became a local event.
Frank Shooter, a larger than life character and pugilist was superintendent of the bathing area from 1871 to 1908. As a professional swimmer and swimming instructor he was the ideal choice for the job.
Shooter became renowned for preventing many drownings and over the years was awarded bravery medals by the Royal Humane Society and feted by the Council for the rescue of a young boy who almost drowned when he became stuck in the leat beneath the Head Weir Mill in 1893. Shooter was buried in Exwick Cemetery. The bathing place continued to be used by the swimming match but some events were moved to the canal basin which had better facilities for spectators. The last recorded use was in 1940.
