Tributes paid to swimming coach

Norman Carter

THE funeral of a former Pride in Oldham winner and swimming coach who taught generations to swim was being held today.

Norman Carter died on November 15, aged 93. His involvement with Oldham Amateur Swimming Club saw him win a Pride in Oldham award in 2004.

Life member Norman started coaching at the club, then known as Lowermoor Swimming Club, more than 50 years ago.

The Oldhamer lived in Werneth and Chadderton with wife Jessie, who died in 1987.

The former lorry driver - who swam regularly up until last year - instructed eight to 12-year-olds on their technique and has seen pupils go on to swim at national level.

His son David, who now lives in Coventry, said: “Geographically we were separated, but as a family we couldn’t have been any closer. He used to come and visit me here and he had his own social life here too.”

Norman leaves sons Michael and David, grandchildren Elizabeth and Martin and two great-grandchildren, Michael and Natalie. His funeral was at Oldham Crematorium at 2pm.