Club History
Club History
Harwich, Dovercourt & Parkeston Swimming Club has a proud and well-documented heritage stretching back over a century.
From its beginnings within the Great Eastern Railway community to the establishment of the first town pool and the modern club we know today, HDPSC has played a central role in local swimming for generations.
Below is a narrative timeline based on early records and club archives.
đź—“ Timeline of Key Events
1908 – The Idea of a Club is Born
A number of employees of the Great Eastern Railway (G.E.R.) took part in a swimming gala at Hornchurch.
They performed well, and the success inspired the idea of forming a local swimming club.
The original club was restricted to G.E.R. employees.
- First President: Captain Howard
- First Secretary: Mr H. Jaggard
1909 – The Club Opens to the Community
At the 1909 AGM, membership was opened to all local people.
The club adopted the name:
Parkeston (G.E.R.) Swimming Club
The stated aim of the club was:
“To promote the art of swimming.”
The local council was approached with a proposal to build a swimming pool — estimated at £200 on a 1d rate.
1911 – Growth & Recognition
June 1911
A local advertisement appears:
Swimming Lessons – Miss M. Greater, 14 Lee Road. Qualified for schools and individuals. 1/6d per hour.
July 1911
The Egerton-Greene Championship Cup was presented to the club.
August 26th, 1911 – First Use of the Modern Name
A report of the club’s third annual swimming carnival uses, for the first time, the title:
“Harwich, Dovercourt and Parkeston Swimming Club”
The event drew a very large crowd along the Dovercourt promenades.
The club was described as having:
“Made very rapid progress during the three years of its existence and now occupies a very prominent place among similar institutions in East Anglia.”
Rough sea conditions led to the water polo match being abandoned, but a full programme of events — including swimming and rowing — took place.
1924 – The First Local Swimming Pool
The first purpose-built local pool was constructed and opened on Saturday, July 5th, 1924, by Councillor Mrs Hill.
Key details:
- Originally 75 yards long by 25 yards wide
- Later divided into:
- Main pool: 55 yards
- Learner’s pool: 35 yards
- Filled directly from the sea at high tide every fortnight
- Completely unfiltered, meaning anything could come in!
This pool served Harwich for decades and became the cornerstone of local swimming life.
🏊‍♀️ Modern Development
1984 – Opening of Dovercourt Swimming Pool
The modern indoor pool opened in 1984, providing year-round training and transforming the opportunities available to the club.
It marked the beginning of HDPSC’s evolution into a structured competitive club with training pathways and regular participation in leagues and galas.
2014 – Pool Renovation and Reopening
A major renovation of the Dovercourt facility was completed in 2014.
The refurbishment improved the pool environment, accessibility and community use, giving HDPSC a modern home base for the next generation of swimmers.
🌟 HDPSC Today
The club continues to build on more than a century of swimming heritage.
While much has changed — from open-sea carnivals to indoor training and competitive squads — the core values remain the same:
- promoting the art of swimming
- serving the community
- developing confident and capable swimmers
- celebrating local pride and tradition
HDPSC remains an active and welcoming club committed to helping swimmers of all ages achieve their goals.