Why a 95-year-old man marked the milestone of a North East pool construction
A 95-year-old man believed to be the first person to swim in a North East pool has signed a steel beam for the new facility.
The beam, which will be part of the structure of the new Eston Pool, was signed by members of the local community, including Norman Spencer.
It is thought he was the first to swim in the old pool when it opened in 1960.
Eston Swimming Club members Zoe Luker and Poppy Britton, both aged nine (Image: Stuart Boulton)
In addition, members of the Eston Swim Club also signed the beam, marking a significant point in the construction of the new pool.
While construction is ongoing, the club, which has more than 90 members, has been training at Redcar's Leisure Centre.
The club competes at various levels, including county and regional competitions, and one member has qualified for this year's English Summer Nationals Meet and the British Summer Nationals.
Head coach Phil Horner said: "It’s really exciting times for everyone at Eston Swim Club and the people of the TS6 area.
Members of Eston Swimming Club, members and staff of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council and delegates from Willmott Dixon (Image: Stuart Boulton)
"The club’s swimmers have excelled in their training at Redcar Leisure Centre, pushing the club and each other to higher levels of swimming."
The construction of the pool, which will be completed in early 2026, has been funded by the Government, Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, and the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority.
Councillor Alec Brown, leader of the council, said: "This milestone marks another step towards delivering a fantastic new facility for our community.
"This isn’t just a building, it’s an investment in our borough’s health, fitness, and future."
Read more:
Get more from The Northern Echo with a digital subscription. Click here.
The new Eston Pool will be designed to Sport England specifications, featuring a 25-metre, six-lane pool, a 150-seat spectator gallery, and a separate learner pool.
The facility will also be accessible to the public for swimming lessons, galas, and competition swimming.
Everyone Active will operate the new facility.
