THE Friends of Carlisle Victorian and Turkish Baths aim to mark the final day of Carlisle’s Public Baths with a 'huge hug of thanks.'

The Friends Group are inviting local residents to form a huge human circle around the Baths to thank them for 138 years of public service to the city.

Opened in 1884 to provide bathing facilities where people could wash after a hard day’s work in Carlisle’s dusty mills and factories, the James Street Baths quickly became a popular feature of city life.

Commenting on the closure, Julie Minns, chair of the Friends of Carlisle Victorian and Turkish Baths said: “So many people have spoken to us about their memories of the Baths that we felt it was important that there was an opportunity to say goodbye.

“Whether you learnt to swim at the Baths, jumped off the old balcony or supped hot Bovril in the cafe, do please come along and help us say thank you to a building that has served eight generations of Carlisle residents.”

Over the decades, swimmers from Border City, Carlisle Secondary and Carlisle Aquatics - who trained in the Baths - have successfully competed in national and international competitions.

Carlisle swimmer Wendy Burrell, who swam at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico, will be coming to the event.

“We are looking forward to taking a dip in the new pools at the Sands Centre, but we cannot help but feel a little bit sad that after Saturday no one will swim in the James Street Baths ever again.

"After 138 years of loyal service, the least we can do is give them a big hug goodbye,” concluded Julie Minns.

The ‘Great Big Baths Hug’ will take place at 9am on Saturday, November 12.

Everyone is welcome to join and should meet in the Matalan car park just before 9am.

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