69: The story of Bancroft Road, Reigate 4 - behind the scenes at the abandoned swimming pool

Saturday 4th January 2025

Now, our four-part mini-series over Christmas and New Year concludes, with what you might call a bonus edition. We have been given special access to part of Bancroft Road that is not normally open to the public. With grateful thanks to Spencer Copping of WS Planning and architecture, whose offices are in the appropriately named Pool House, listen as we go behind the scenes and underground as we record interviews in what was the actual pool.

Hear what is left on the site now, including the café. And hear our chat with local historian Sean Hawkins, whose research led to this mini-series. Hear us reflect on the lives and work of Harry and Emmy Bancroft, including some new information, as we stand on the road that bears their name.

Part one was in episode 66 – We started the story with Harry Bancroft and Emmy meeting, marrying and running the Hippodrome cinema on Bell Street. You can hear it here: https://tinyurl.com/prp66bancroft1 (tap the link and then tap ‘play’).

Part two in episode 67 – told the story of the lido. We described where it was, what was there, the opening and the cost. https://tinyurl.com/prp67bancroft2

In episode 68 we ended the story, with the opening of the Majestic cinema, and the decline of both ventures; Emmy’s untimely death and then, that of Harry. And we discovered the couple’s grave in a nearby churchyard and paid our respects. https://tinyurl.com/prp68full

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A list of ‘the best of the guests’, and a link to hear each one, is on this Facebook post: https://tinyurl.com/prpbest

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