The River Dee and Dee Estuary have always been at the heart of our community. From wildlife and the environment to recreation and our local heritage, the Dee has shaped the identity of our area for generations.
Earlier this year, the Sandy Lane stretch of the River Dee was granted bathing water status, following a campaign by residents, campaign groups and me to secure greater protection for this important part of our natural environment.
This status means increased monitoring, including regular independent water quality testing, with results published to keep the public informed. It also provides a stronger legal framework to help tackle pollution and protect the future health of the River Dee and Dee Estuary.
It has been wonderful to celebrate the importance of the river this week by joining Chester Lord Mayor Cllr Margaret Parker for the annual Ceremonial Inspection of the River Dee. It was a pleasure to take part in this long-standing Chester tradition. As Lord Mayor, Cllr Parker also holds the historic title of Admiral of the Dee, dating back to the 14th century. This unique connection reflects the importance of the Dee to our city for centuries.
The river’s links with swimming and leisure were also brought to life when I enjoyed a recent heritage tour of Parkgate, written by the Parkgate Society. I was fascinated to learn about Hilda James, one of Britain’s greatest swimmers.
Hilda competed at the 1920 Olympic Games, winning a silver medal in the women’s 4×100-metre freestyle relay and reaching the semi-finals of the 300-metre freestyle event. She went on to hold seven world records and 29 English records.
Her story is closely connected to Parkgate’s historic Bath House, built in 1923 by Mostyn House School. Water was drawn from the Dee Estuary at high tide and filtered for the swimming baths, which became extremely popular during the inter-war years.
Around 1924, Hilda’s family took charge of the Bath House, with her father John managing the site and her mother Gertie running the café. Hilda later worked there as a swimming instructor while continuing her remarkable sporting career.
The story of Hilda James reminds us that the Dee has always been a place of inspiration and opportunity. Today, as we work to protect these waters for future generations, we are also celebrating the people and stories that make the River Dee and Dee Estuary so special.
Anyone interested in exploring Parkgate’s history can order a heritage walk booklet through the Parkgate Society’s website: https://www.parkgatesociety.co.uk/