Do you remember when Diana came to Sheringham?

Eastern Daily Press: Diana, the Princess of Wales, chatting to a young swimmer at the Splash at its official opening. Picture: Archant LibraryDiana, the Princess of Wales, chatting to a young swimmer at the Splash at its official opening. Picture: Archant Library (Image: Archant Library)

As many take time this week to remember the princess on the 20th anniversary after her death, people in the north Norfolk town of Sheringham can think back to the day hundreds tried to catch a glimpse of her on a special royal duty in the town.

While she was a regular at Sandringham, especially Christmas Day church services, she made quite a splash when she visited Sheringham to open the new Splash Leisure Centre pool on May 11, 1988.

Wearing an elegant blue suit she spent time chatting to town dignitaries, lifeguards and staff as well as swimmers and school children before unveiling a plaque to mark the occasion.

She collected bouquets of flowers and flags from those who lined the route to meet her.

Eastern Daily Press: Newspaper page on Princess Diana. Photo: Archant LibraryNewspaper page on Princess Diana. Photo: Archant Library (Image: Archant Library)

Splash Leisure and Fitness Centre cost £2.5m and took five years to plan and build but could be knocked down and rebuilt after North Norfolk District Council said the ageing building was in need of modernisation.

Local authority-owned land neighbouring the site could be sold for a new hotel and commercial development to help pay for the £8 million project.

The council hasn't ruled out refurbishing the pool but it is not thought to be the most cost effective option.

Were you among the crowds on May 11, 1988? Send us your photos of Diana at Sheringham by email to adam.lazzari@archant.co.uk.

Eastern Daily Press: Newspaper page on Princess Diana. Photo: Archant LibraryNewspaper page on Princess Diana. Photo: Archant Library (Image: Archant Library)

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Eastern Daily Press: North Norfolk MP Ralph Howell and his wife Margaret are presented to the Princess of Wales outside the Sheringham Leisure Pool. Dated: May 11th, 1988North Norfolk MP Ralph Howell and his wife Margaret are presented to the Princess of Wales outside the Sheringham Leisure Pool. Dated: May 11th, 1988

Eastern Daily Press: Princess Diana visiting Splash Leisure and Fitness Centre, Sheringham, in 1988. Picture: ArchantPrincess Diana visiting Splash Leisure and Fitness Centre, Sheringham, in 1988. Picture: Archant (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: ROYAL FAMILY PRINCESS OF WALES VISIT TO SHERINGHAM SPLASH MAY 1988 PRINT C2106 NEG B05319-20AROYAL FAMILY PRINCESS OF WALES VISIT TO SHERINGHAM SPLASH MAY 1988 PRINT C2106 NEG B05319-20A

Eastern Daily Press: Princess Diana visiting Splash Leisure and Fitness Centre, Sheringham, in 1988. Picture: ArchantPrincess Diana visiting Splash Leisure and Fitness Centre, Sheringham, in 1988. Picture: Archant (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: Princess Diana visiting Splash Leisure and Fitness Centre, Sheringham, in 1988. Picture: ArchantPrincess Diana visiting Splash Leisure and Fitness Centre, Sheringham, in 1988. Picture: Archant (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: ROYAL FAMILY PRINCESS DIANA VISIT TO SHERINGHAM SPLASH MAY 1988 PRINT C2119 NEG B05317-37ROYAL FAMILY PRINCESS DIANA VISIT TO SHERINGHAM SPLASH MAY 1988 PRINT C2119 NEG B05317-37

Eastern Daily Press: Princess Diana at Sheringham Splash Leisure Centre in the 1980s.Princess Diana at Sheringham Splash Leisure Centre in the 1980s.

Eastern Daily Press: ROYAL FAMILY PRINCESS DIANA VISIT TO SHERINGHAM SPLASH MAY 1988 PRINT C2121 NEG B05318-19AROYAL FAMILY PRINCESS DIANA VISIT TO SHERINGHAM SPLASH MAY 1988 PRINT C2121 NEG B05318-19A

Eastern Daily Press: ROYAL FAMILY PRINCESS DIANE VISIT TO SHERINGHAM MAY 1988 PRINT C2145 NEG B05317-33ROYAL FAMILY PRINCESS DIANE VISIT TO SHERINGHAM MAY 1988 PRINT C2145 NEG B05317-33

Eastern Daily Press: pic from 1988 when Princess Diana opened Splash swimming pool and leisure centre in Sheringham. submittedpic from 1988 when Princess Diana opened Splash swimming pool and leisure centre in Sheringham. submitted