Man is celebrated for 75-year membership with Guernsey Swimming Club

Wednesday 20 July 2022

An 87-year-old Guernseyman said he was “taken aback” after the Guernsey Swimming Club presented him with gifts in celebration of his 75-year membership with the club.

Terry Le Tissier said he had first joined the club when he could “just about swim”, after returning to the island after being evacuated during the war.

“I was evacuated to Manchester with my parents. My father had signed up to serve, but he has serious health problems so was allowed to come with us instead,” he said.

“We ended up living with two of my cousins, but I have no idea how we ever found them because they were evacuated to Leicester initially in a school group. My cousins and I would go to the public baths in Manchester and I remember the bigger kids would throw us in.

“When we came back to Guernsey I could just about swim. I joined the children’s swimming club, which at the time was the Porpoises, because I wanted to dive. I was able to dive then I would pop up by the wall and get out because I was not a good swimmer.”

Pictured: The Guernsey Swimming Club gifted Terry Le Tissier engraved glasses in celebration of his 75-year membership. 

Mr Le Tissier recalled swimming at the bathing pools when he was a young child.

“When we got back to Guernsey the bathing pools were the only place to swim. We weren’t allowed on the beaches at that time because there was still barbed wire everywhere,” he said.

“When they opened the swimming pool in Beau Sejour it was great and the Guernsey swimming Club built up a big membership over the years.”

Mr Le Tissier said that he believes membership has dropped since the club moved to St Sampson’s High School.

“At Beau Sejour you can touch the bottom all the way along, but at St Sampson’s it’s quite deep and I think that has put people off,” he said.

“There used to be up to 10 of us in a lane at any one time at Beau Sejour but we don’t have those same numbers at St Sampson’s.”

Pictured: Terry Le Tissier joined the "Porpoises" swimming club as a young child in Guernsey. 

Mr Le Tissier is also an avid sea swimmer.

“I have been bay swimming more times that I would be able to count. I still try to go most days,” he said.

“I used to sea swim right up until Christmas, then start again at Easter, but my doctor has said I need to avoid cold water so I stick to the warmer months now.

“I like to swim at Bordeaux best. Some friends of mine have taken part in the 30 Bays in 30 Days and I have gone with them on occasion to help because some of the bays are odd choices. For example, Albecq and Fontenelle Bay are difficult for sea swimming.”

Mr Le Tissier said that he hoped to continue swimming.

“I was taken aback to say the least when the club presented me with the gifts. I am hoping to continue swimming as long as I am able to.”