3 MAY 1930, Page 44

Travel: BritiSh Spas

{We publish an this page articles and notes which may help our readers in their plans for travel at home and abroad. They are written by correspondents who have visited the places described, We shall be glad to answer questions arising out of the Tram; articles published in our columns. Inquiries should be addressed to the Travel Mandgir, The SikECTATiin, 09 Gower' 'Street, W.C.1.] "ILL shew thee the beif.springs," wrote Shakespeare. The British spas 6r--i0to•!fiire regarded • by hYdrologists as the

most varied and remarkable springs in the world. Thus Shakespeare was a forerunner of the "Come to England ". movement.

, Until recently, there was. possibly some ground for the criticisms made as to the dullness of ekistence in some of our spas as compared with the delights provided on the Continent. Possibly, however, feverish hours spent in a- crowded Casino are not altogether the best for persons suffering from bad health, and the tonic air of Harrogate and Buxton,. or the restful beauty of Bath and Droitwich are better for invalids who require mental quiet and curative treatment by nature. Recent developments in British spas have ptovided far more interesting events for visitors than ever before.

The recent Festival of Contemporary Arts, for example, held at Bath was very successful. Those who have listened over the wireless to the concerts given in the Bath Ptunp Room are aware of very fine music provided. The Director, Mr. John Hatton, never ceases in making new plans for the entertainment of visitors. Of special interest in the bathing establishment is the large swimming bath, much used by convalescents, and for preventive treatment. This has been entirely redecorated in bright and cheerful colours. A special form of foam treatment is now given in conjunction with the Bath Thermal waters.

At Buxton, where the Manager is Mr. J. E. Boddington, the Honorary Secretary of the British Spas Federation, several notable developments have taken place. The Cor- poration, which already controls the Thermal and Natural Baths, has purchased the Pavilion -Garden. This is proving to be a great attraction. Another wise innovation at Buxton, which has assisted materially in bringing additional visitors, is the bold decision to issue a three weeks' inclusive course of treatment tickets for 83. Experience has shown that nowadays, with Income Tax at 4s. 6d. in the 8, even the wealthy wish to know exactly what an article is likely to cost before they decide to purchase.

This inclusive ticket also includes admission to the Pavilion Gardens, where the Municipal Orchestra has been augmented. -.!Leamington Spa, always progressive, has profited by the elPenditure three years ago of 220,000 in the re-equipment

Of its Pump Room and Baths, which belong to the Corpora- tion. As a result, no fewer than 200,000 people received treatment there last year, and excellent results have been obtained in dealing with rheumatism- and the allied dis- orders, and with high blood pressure. As is. well known, the southern part of Warwickshire is very attractive during the spring and summer, and the climate is generally mild and equable.

Llandrindod Wells in Radnorshire has also modernized its equipment. The Pump Room and 13aths have been re-decorated. The Pavilion at the Rock Park, a charming glen, sheltered from the cold winds, has been redesigned. Here a complete installation for the therapeutic application Of electricity has been installed.

Harrogate, like Bath, has introduced Foam Baths. A valuable deposit of " Fango " mud has been discovered which is being applied to invalids with great success. Plans are in progress for many other improvements. It is expected that the Royal Baths will shortly be doubled in size, and

a covered glass promenade installed for the water-drinkers. A new -music and tea pavilion has already been erected in the Valley Gardens.

Cheltenham also, at the base of the Cotswold Hills, is making a determined attempt to rehabilitate its position.

Plans are being prepared Tor a -Coniplete new equipment Of medical baths with a new swimming bath for mixed bathing and a Palm Lounge. Since the War Cheltenham has become much gayer and more cheerful, and challenges in this repeet some of the dingier Continental resorts.

Even more important than gaiety from the point of view of recovering lost health is the fatt that the British Spas Federation, which comprises the_ spas of Bath, Buxton, : Cheltenham, Leamington, Droitwich, Harrogate, Llandrindod Wells, Strathpeffer, Woodhall, Trefriw and New Zealand, hit* e associated themselves with the International Society: of Medical Hydrology. This Society contains the leading sfa physicians of every known spa in the world. There has been prepared and published standard analyses of mineral waters in order that any medical men may be able to compare;. the waters of any one spa with those of any other spa.

-Apart from the Undoubted medical men, who desire guidance in the selection of spas for their patients, it will assist in making better, knows, the waters of British spas.-- It will indicate their superiority in some cases, and their equality in others, with the mineral

waters of foreign spas. . .. -

It is hoped that new legislation will shortly be- passed to enable British spas to contribute to such a central organiiation as the Travel Association of Great Britain and Ireland, of which Lord Derby, is President. In 1980 Shakespeare's words, "I'll shew thee the best springs," can best be put IntO practice by centralized publicity- on, the lines already adopted by some of our Continental competitors, -•

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Another health resort growing in prominence.is Malvern-. The purity, of its waters and their acknowledged ,properties have helped to Make the name " Malvern " known in many parts of the world. Its Sporting attraCtions have developed considerably in recent years ; it serves as an ideal motoring centre for 'several counties, while the new Winter Gardens and Puthp Room enhance its appeal-to health-seekers. Sir Barry Jackson's Birmingham Repertory Theatre Company open a three weeks' season at the-. Malvern Theatre on June 16th. The Shaw Festival, which attracted-hundreds of visitors last year, will be renewed for two Weeks from Aughit 18th.