End of an era - Shotley baths for the chop!

[LittleSister]

Latest news from Shotley Marina says they are completely revamping the ablution facilities in the main block, including removing all current sanitary ware. I take it this means the ginormous baths are to go.

I can understand why they'd do it, and to be honest I've never actually used the baths, but have always liked the idea they were there - redolent of the days when men were men; dirt was so dirty you needed to soak it off; and moisturising-shower-gel was solid, called soap, and smelt of coal tar.

 

[Phoenix of Hamble]

I didnt read it like that!

My take was that it was all being replaced, so assumed it was like for like...

Maybe i'm wrong

Saying that, we've been there for 5 years and not used them either!

 

[Koeketiene]

Saying that, we've been there for 5 years and not used them either!

Yes, well, never wanted to say anything... but don't you think it's about time you had a bath?

 

[sailorman]

so will one still be able to sit on the bog & see wot the chap in the nxt box is doing

 

[ChattingLil]

and we've only been there once and used them four times!

 

[Leighb]

I have used them in the past, it would be sad to see them go, I have always preferred baths to showers. You can't read a book in the shower.

 

[CliveG]

I have had the pleasure of using the baths a few time over the last few years.
I do hope that they keep them.
It is most relaxing after a wet bumpy sail.
I would admit that it is the last place that I had a bath

 

[pks1702]

The newsletter states:

"Ablutions

This winter we intend to carry out a full refurbishment of the main ablution block in the marina. This will involve a complete stripping out of all the tiles, sanitary ware, cubicles and all the other furniture. Modern shower equipment will be installed along with new flooring, cubicles and sinks. As more detail becomes available we will let you know Work is scheduled to commence Monday 7th November with it re opening at the end of the year."

Interestingly the photo that accompanies this is the one in the middle of the marina.

Is this the main ablution block or are they talking about the one in the main complex?

 

[LittleSister]

The newsletter states:

Is this the main ablution block or are they talking about the one in the main complex?

Now you put it like that, I'm not so sure. Perhaps we could start a sweepstake on it?

 

[LONG_KEELER]

This is very sad news.

Probably best and deepest bath's in the annals of marine ablution history.

I would punch spring tides to get to their baths by 3pm to beat the hoards arriving later.

A bath only took about 50 minutes too.

 

[Phoenix of Hamble]

I find not bathing helps me find solitude.....

 

[LONG_KEELER]

My take was that it was all being replaced, so assumed it was like for like...

!

One can only hope........

If not, and as an esteemed resident, could you put my name down for one of them ?

Worth towing a bath like that behind the mother ship during the high season.

 

[Koeketiene]

I find not bathing helps me find solitude.....

"Parfum de Phoenix" -

 

[Phoenix of Hamble]

"Parfum de Phoenix" -

You should get a job in Marketing....

 

[biffandkatie]

The Ablution block in the picture is indeed the one that is being revamped so those of you that enjoy your baths can keep your plastic ducks in your washbags for another season. ;-)

 

[Crowblack]

Woe ! Woe ! and Thrice Woe !

This is indeed grave news - another nail in the coffin of our traditional way of life.

Although as Lurcio would know it was the Romans that introduced us to deep bathing - it has been adopted since his times as not only a method of soaking away the grime of the day but of entering a contemplative and restorative state not possible in more modern forms of bathing where you have to stand up.

The joy of slipping beneath the hot water at the Shotley bathetorium will be greatly missed and will be another reason to consider, instead of paying the ever increasing overnight charges to stay at anchor and use the baby wipes.

My Lady Ammonia will be likewise distraught.

 

[Stork_III]

The newsletter states:

"Ablutions

This winter we intend to carry out a full refurbishment of the main ablution block in the marina. This will involve a complete stripping out of all the tiles, sanitary ware, cubicles and all the other furniture. Modern shower equipment will be installed along with new flooring, cubicles and sinks. As more detail becomes available we will let you know Work is scheduled to commence Monday 7th November with it re opening at the end of the year."

Interestingly the photo that accompanies this is the one in the middle of the marina.

Is this the main ablution block or are they talking about the one in the main complex?

NOT the Main Building, but the standalone block in the Marina that is being "refurbished".

 

[ex-Gladys]

I must admit I've always thought Shotley's weak point has been it's ablutions. For the number of boats the marina block is small, even when backed up by the main block. My favourite is Chatham....

 

[Leighb]

I must admit I've always thought Shotley's weak point has been it's ablutions. For the number of boats the marina block is small, even when backed up by the main block. My favourite is Chatham....

Agree on Chatham, excellent facilities, especially the family sized showers.

Tidemill have good facilities also, just be careful not to go too far into the shower area before you have disrobed.

 

[CalicoJack]

Baths to go? NO!!!!!!!!

The first time that we discovered the baths was after a very cold, very wet trip down from Lowerstoft. The bliss of wallowing in unlimited quantities of hot water before adjourning to the bar is one that will stay with me for a very long time. The news that they might go is like a pikestaff through the heart.