In around 2012 after Aquasplash closed I decided to try for a miracle to build and run a community swimming pool. District council decided it was a no go even after I had done a presentation with a price, architects drawings and charter quantity surveyor, along with a pool building firm and interested funders - costing nothing to the council. Now, years down the line we have a great team that is working MIRACLES. My vision is that the pool we be 25m long, 6 lanes, with a second pool for physio and learning for parents and toddlers, along with possibly a cafe, gym, seating for watching competitions, and more as time goes on.

I have lived in Minehead since October 2017. I originate from Bristol and I am proud to be Bristolian, but I now call Minehead my home. We always holidayed at Dunster Beach chalets since 1989 and I just love sitting on the beach/cobbles, hearing the waves and praying/reflecting on life. I have a husband (and two children) and we have recently become grandparents for the first time. We used to use the Aquasplash swimming pool in Minehead, and when this closed in 2006 we were devastated as I am not a sea swimmer. I have worked in business support, secretarial and admin all my working life and qualified as a legal secretary (ILEX) in 2005 and ended up working for the local authority for 12 years. My main interests are attending Minehead Baptist church on a regular basis, quiz nights, socialising, walks, and learning Spanish.

I grew up in Canada, then spent most of my career working for charities in the international development and humanitarian sector, living for over 20 years in Bangladesh, Ecuador, Palestine, Indonesia, Tajikistan, Myanmar and Jordan. I moved to West Somerset in 2017, from where I can work remotely, as well as work part-time at Aurora Foxes Academy in Minehead, supporting young people with learning disabilities. I have always been a keen swimmer, and, to my surprise, this is the only place I've ever lived that does not have good access to a public swimming pool!

I am in my 80s and retired in 2009. My wife and I moved here from the Midlands in 2002 after both working as lecturers in higher education. Since coming to West Somerset I have played Cricket for Minehead CCC and Tennis at Minehead LTC. Since 1974 I have acted on numerous committees, professional, sporting, educational and local-political. I was Chairman of Somerset CB Youth Cricket for several years up to 2009. Walking and specifically swimming will be my preferred physical activities after my hip operation.

We are recruiting for more Directors (or Volunteers) with the following areas of expertise:

Accounting, bookkeeping, financial management

Business management, operations, project management, start-ups

Fundraising, financing, investing, partnership-building/networking

Building, trades, engineering, public infrastructure

Architecture, design, planning

Social media, public relations, publicity, community outreach

Interested? Get in touch with us by email or on the Contact page!