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Then, some 25 years ago, Sherborne School developed its splendid sports centre, complete with indoor pool, which was opened at certain times for use by local swimmers, some 40 local organisations being able to take advantage of this invaluable facility.

But in recent years, encouraged by the knowledge that more and more public pools were being established in towns - some smaller than Sherborne - elsewhere in Dorset and in neighbouring Somerset, local devotees again started raising funds for provision of such an amenity locally. Sherborne Town Council ring-fenced a six-figure sum to encourage them. But rising costs, lack of grants-in-aid and dearth of suitable sites thwarted such efforts, that is until Sherborne School for Girls announced its intention to build an indoor pool, hopefully for joint school-public use.

A few days ago, the Oxley Sports Centre was officially opened by, appropriately, Karen Pickering, arguably Great Britain's most successful female swimmer in the last two decades - World Champion, Olympian, executive board member of the British Olympic Association and inspiration to young aspiring athletes.

Karen, other guests, staff and girls, were welcomed by the headmistress, Jenny Dwyer.

Representing the town, Sherborne's mayor Cllr Keith Batten told the large audience that he was invited recently to meet manager Matt Nelson and undertake a tour of the centre. Then he was invited, along with fellow councillors, to the opening and asked to make a short speech. "My concern was not what to say but whether I would have to strip down to the ancient mayoral swimming costume and dive into the pool with Karen Pickering!"

Describing the occasion as another landmark day in the town's annals, the mayor said: "As many of you will know, the town has striven for many years to find ways to fund a public swimming pool, but for a town of our size, and the anticipated usage, the cost was prohibitive.

"When this school embarked on this venture and decided to construct this centre we were delighted. I am sure you will agree it is a tremendous addition to facilities in the town and will, I am sure, be of enormous benefit both to the school and the local community."

The mayor continued, "I understand that our local schools are making arrangements to use the new pool on a regular basis. I worked closely with the schools during my 23 years as head verger of Sherborne Abbey and in recent years I have become aware of a closer partnership between the schools and town. This is evident in the amount of available time for public use of these facilities which will also create further opportunities for employment, in addition to the many who are already employed by the schools of the town. Congratulations and success to you all. I am certain it will be a well-used centre."

Welcoming Karen, the headmistress said: "What makes her achievements all the more remarkable, is that many of her successes were gained despite the fact that in 1996 Karen broke her back in a car accident. The three years following the accident saw her fight back to get to world level competition and ultimately succeed in her goal."

Other points made by the headmistress:

For Sherborne Girls this is the realisation of a ten-year aspiration. For the town it is a realisation of a 25 year (or more) aspiration.

Sherborne Girls has made a sea change from a 1930s vintage, outdoor pool to a state-of-the-art sports centre. Some here today will remember the outdoor pool in its heyday - it has changed little (water looks cleaner now than it did then apparently!).

School use will span from our elite swimming squad training and matches to leisure use in these days of lifestyle and balance.

For the local community, the arrival of another sports venue will further enhance the quality of life we enjoy here. We are totally committed to our links with the town and the local community. The degree of public access that has been built into our business plan is a clear demonstration of our desire to share the use of our facilities.

Specifically the opportunity for schools and community groups to have access to the many activities available in this centre, from dance and aerobics to squash and aqua aerobics, is an exciting prospect.

The headmistress went on to thank the many people involved in the project over the years, among them former headmistress June Taylor, who had the foresight when building the sports hall to leave space for a swimming pool; Geraldine Kerton-Johnson, the present head's predecessor, who seven years ago picked up the baton of a dual-use swimming pool scheme for the benefit of school and community; the governing body who had supported the project throughout its lengthy gestation; the PE department, estates bursar and works department, who worked on the initial plans for what is so much more than a swimming pool - and then oversaw the project to its successful conclusion; and the bursar, Martyn Steer, who has seen this project through from start to finish.

Thanking the many advisers and specialists involved, the headmistress told them:

"Your support and professionalism have been evident throughout. Finally, thanks to those friends of the school who have given your time, your hard cash and your support to make this fantastic sports centre a reality."