The 'swinging 60's' arrive with an outdoor swimming pool at the Grand
In the early 1960's the General Manager of the Grand was a chap called Mr Dick Beattie. He had big plans and ideas to further develop the now established Grand. Moving forward is important to all hotels and he was very aware of the influence of the younger generation. Something we focus on today... As they say 'Children are the future'!
With this in mind he set about upgrading the old fashioned kitchens, which had not been modernised for 35 years! This even included the installation of a dishwasher (bet the Kitchen porters were delighted) For the teenagers he built a games room complete with Juke Box, Coca Cola machine, dart board and a pile of twist records! His biggest project however was to turn the manicured southwest gardens from a tennis court to a magnificent outdoor swimming pool with heated sea-water and open air Cocktail area.
Not everyone was so happy with all this change about the place. A certain Daily Mail journalist reported... 'I visited the Grand in Eastbourne to find the tennis court (regularly used by Fred Perry and Bunny Austin whilst preparing for Wimbledon) turned into a piano shaped affair of an outdoor pool and a den for teenagers! The place is getting hep, real hep man'!
The opening of the pool was a most grand affair as to be expected. And so on Tuesday 21st May 1963, with military precision 50 National journalists were duly met at Eastbourne Railway Station from the 11.11am from London. Coffee was served and then the reporters were let loose around the hotel. In the event programme Mr Beattie states 'journalists are free to roam wherever they wish, any bedroom or function room with an open door is available to inspect.. closed doors may not'!
At 12.45pm prompt it states the arrival of the Mayor and Mayoress of Eastbourne followed by a full 3 course Luncheon including Fillet of Sole Duglers, Escalope of Veal with Asparagus and Mushrooms and Strawberries and Cream. Wines included Pouilly Fuisse, Jaboulet-Vercherre 1959 and Charmes Chambertin 1957. Liqueurs, cigars and cigarettes were also served, so no expense was spared.
Having been excellently wined and dined at 2.20pm guests were invited to attend the pool for Opening with a 10 minute ceremony. Nearly 100 people congregated around the pool, journalists, guests and staff alike.
The pool was officially opened by comedian of the day Kenneth Horn and Olympic champion Judy Grinham. This was followed by a fashion show of swimsuits and swimming display (very 60's) By 3pm the invitation was for 'bathing for all'!
52 years on and the Grand outdoor pool is still thriving, giving pleasure to young and old. Traditionally opening for the Easter Holidays (2015 is no exception with first guest of the year in on the 2nd April) Closing is more a movable feast. The aim is to keep it open for as long as possible... weather permitting. Last year it was still inviting guests for a dip in late November.
The decision to put in an outdoor pool must have been a big one back in 1963 but has truly helped the Grand stand out as a wonderful resort destination for leisure and corporate guests over the years..... Perhaps one day a nice little hot tub could be added !