Hi, here's a welcome note to the members of the Iron Monger Row group that some of you maybe interested in joining.
Best Regards Mark
From: IMR_Turkish_Baths@... [mailto:IMR_Turkish_Baths@...] On Behalf Of Mark Mitchell
Sent: 25 September 2007 13:14
To: IMR_Turkish_Baths@...
Subject: [IMR_Turkish_Baths] Welcome !
Hi,
thanks for joining the IMR Turkish Baths group .
I guess its time for me to say something. I started the group back in May and then left you all in silence.
I set it up as a way of linking together those that care about IMR. It was a reaction to the wanton act of vandalism visited on York Hall. I wanted those that care about how IMR Turkish baths are run to know who else did as well, to be in contact and ready to share ideas and any information available if anyone got the idea of changing things radically. Thankfully IMR is alive and steaming and, so far as I can see from my roughly weekly visits, things seem to be going OK.
- The towels are usually available, large and almost fluffy.
- The atmosphere is relaxed, people can talk and still find peace and quiet (if that's what they want) without undue interference from the management.
- Customers can give and receive back rubs.
- Nobody has an issue with or with not covering up.
- No ideas of converting the place into an upmarket, money grabbing "Spa" for the super rich Islington residents who cant be bothered to go to established venues that cater for their needs more than adequately elsewhere.
IMR steam would be even better if ......
- The place (especially the hot rooms) had a fresh, just washed smell in the evening rather than the pungent, sweaty odour that often greets you.
- The showers had bigger roses, higher pressure and were clearly labelled hot and cold.
- There was a cold hose in the steam to rinse down the benches and one another.
- All customers always showered before using the plunge.
- Certain customers didn't wash out their towel in the plunge! Who are these people ! Its disgusting ! Where are their brains/shame/
respect for others/common sense?
The Plunge - Any comments, Ideas?
One thing that might improve things is to replace the plunge bung with a pipe roughly 1.5m high. Fresh water could be continually run in through a hose at the bottom and out at the surface via the pipe. I appreciate that not everyone might agree and feel the complete change of water every few hours is fine. I do get hot under the collar when I find the plunge empty at 20:50 and so I cant chill off quickly and thoroughly but I can live with it.
So although I see things that could be improved I am resigned to let the place carry on as it is.
If there is an initiative to "improve" matters, to create a "Luxury Spa" then I will stir and go into action and I hope everyone here will be active and creative in battle.
For the time being - and I hope it will be a very long time - I will simple enjoy the place.
Changing the subject - yesterday I was at the Schwitzbad Müller´sches Volksbad in Munich
use http://babelfish.altavista.com/ if your German is as good as mine :)
It was simply heaven to float silently in the warm circular basin looking skywards at the pristine and gleaming clean dome high above - see foto on the link above. The steam room, about the same size as the the IMR steam, hot rooms and plunge put together was at just the right temperature, sunshine streamed down through the clean skylight, the massive stone benches dripped with moisture, the fountain played, the powerful shower drenched, the adjustable jet of vapour steamed beautifully - too many adjectives I know but so much pleasure, so little time, so few clothes, so little attitude, such a great price (€19.60 with a swim in 2 pools, towel and a private room with clean linen on the bed).
If other members would like to share there favourite steams with the group until (if ever) it needs to be used in anger please feel free.
Any ideas about how IMR can be improved are of course always welcome !
Happy steaming - Mark
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