The 20 women meet every Monday and Wednesday morning to participate in aqua aerobics at the pool. Some of the members have been using the pool since it was built.

Diane Macfarlane can remember going to the baths as a teenager with her cousins.

“Back then pools in backyards were few and far between,” Mrs Macfarlane said.

“The meeting place was the local pool. Branxton pool is still a wonderful place the community would never want to lose.”

Mrs Macfarlane helped start the aqua aerobics group in 2011 and the group has attracted members aged from late teens to early 70s.

 “The women have become great friends,” she said.

Led by instructor Tracey Crossley, the group is expected to attend the pool’s 50 year celebrations on Saturday 7 March.

The open day will feature free entry between 10am and 2pm, a cutting of the cake and inflatable activity centre.

The Branxton Baths was constructed from 1963 to 1965 by Cessnock City Council with the assistance from the Joint Coal Board and Department of Public Works. 

The pool complex, which includes a 33 metre pool and a toddler pool, was opened to the public on 6 March, 1965.