Ian and Jo Smith at the party

WHEN Parliament Hill Lido opened its doors to the public in the summer of 1938, Tom Parkinson was an eager youngster waiting with his trunks and towel tucked under his arm.

The London County Council-built outdoor pool celebrated its 80th birthday on Saturday – and Tom, who still lives just a few streets away, was on hand to help mark the occasion. He was asked to judge a fancy dress competition as today’s swimmers came decked out in the fashions of the years when the Olympic-sized pool was built.

Eleanor Kennedy

Chair of Parliament Hill Lido Users Group Eleanor Kennedy said: “It was a lovely way to mark the milestone. “We had more than 170 people come in and dance to the music, eat lovely food and celebrate our pool. Here’s to the next 80.” l Pictured on page 1 are Ian and Jo Smith, who were best-dressed man and woman in the fancy dress competition.