British Swimming and ASA mourn Noel Winter

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30th January 2012

British Swimming and the ASA are mourning former GB water polo player and ASA facilities officer Noel Winter, who passed away on 29 January 2012.

Noel's funeral will take place on Wednesday 8th February at 3:20pm at:

Wilford Hill Crematorium, Loughborough Road,
West Bridgford, Nottingham. NG2 7FE.

Afterwards, all are invited to gather for refrsehment at:

The Rancliffe Arms
139 Loughborough Road
Bunny, Nottingham, NG11 6QT.

The Rancliffe Arms is four miles South of the Crematorium, on the A60 Loughborough to Nottingham Road.

Noel was heavily involved with water polo and facilities in the West Midlands and the North West and was in his facilities officer role at the ASA between 1999 and 2010.

He received the ASA’s prestigious Harold Fern Award in 2010 (image below) for his outstanding contribution to aquatics.

After starting his involvement with aquatics as a backstroke swimmer in Wednesbury, Noel switched his attention to water polo, helping Wednesbury progress to Midland League champions before playing in the National League for Walsall.

He enjoyed great success for Walsall, becoming captain and playing alongside British internationals such as Mick Hands, Mick Hale and Glyn Hodges.

In 1964, Walsall made their first ever ASA Club Water Polo Championship Final going down 6-5 to Otter before winning their first title in 1967 when they beatn Birkenhead 9-7.

He was selected for Great Britain for the first time in 1967 and played in the Olympic qualification tournament a year later.

Noel went on to coach the British senior team and the under 20s and while he didn’t make an Olympics as player or coach, he admitted working on the successful bid for the London 2012 Olympic Games had felt as though he’d made his Olympics.

Known for his encyclopaedic knowledge of swimming facilities, one of Noel’s legacies was his involvement in the construction of Varley Street pool in Manchester – at the time the only deep-all-over-water pool in the country apart from Crystal Palace.

He was a member of the ASA facilities committee from the late 1970s, taking over as secretary in 1987 and continuing in that post until he joined the ASA staff in 1999.

Away from the ASA, Noel was a Fellow of the Institute of Sport and Recreation Management (ISRM) for whom he was a member of the National Council for 20 years, 19 of which were in the post of National Treasurer with the responsibility for guiding the National Council on Financial matters. He was also a member of their examination board making policy on education and setting and marking papers.

Noel is survived by his long-term partner Jackie and three children Sarah, Andrew and Simon.

Useful?

Talk

19

2.12pm 8th February 2012
Charlotte Miller & Brian Littlejohn from Sheffield

One of the last great TWPC secretaries. Noel entrusted us both with opportunities that have continued to shape our involvement in the sport. His deep and detailed knowledge, respect for volunteers at the heart of the game and most importantly his jovial, unassuming nature is missed.

Noel’s influence will be felt in London this summer, and long into the future

Charlotte and Brian
18

6.33pm 7th February 2012
Ron Flude from Lancaster

I would like to record my pleasure in knowing Noel as a competitor in those good old of the 60’s. I can think of no more friendly and modest a man than he was. I was lucky to coach a great Teesside team which had initially benefited from his considerable input. I have many fond memories of playing with London Polytechnic at Walsall baths. I feel great sadness at hearing this news.
17

2.36pm 5th February 2012
David Wright from Cheltenham Swimming and Water Polo Club

Great memories as an adversary at Walsall over many years and also as a valued team-mate with the Great Britain team.
You never gave less than one hundred percent in everything you did in both sport and work.
Now you can rest in peace.
16

5.23pm 3rd February 2012
Phil Collins from Hertfordshire

There is little that can be added to the eulogies that have been posted here already.

Noel Winter was a gentleman who never sought the limelight; he just got on and did his work in an unassuming yet tremendously effective way. I feel honoured to have known him and learnt from him.

My thoughts are with Jackie and his family
15

11.21am 3rd February 2012
Paula Bleasdale from Devon

Paula Bleasdale from Devon
Noel will be greatly missed. His encyclopaedic knowledge of Swimming Pools was a resource to us all. I always found him to be courteous, quiet, assured, kindly and a pleasure to work with. The new Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (formerly the ISRM) have missed out on a true stalwart of the industry. Our thoughts are with Jackie and the family…
14

1.34pm 2nd February 2012
Geoff Derby from Pinner, Middx

I remember the many great water polo games we at Everton had against Walsall in the mid 60’s, particularly at Walsall Gala baths. Neil was such a huge influence when leading his team in the pool and afterwards giving the captains toast to the visitors at the after match reception, he always had authority and presence, and made you welcome.
Later to become a respected colleague and friend at ISRM.
R.I.P. Noel, our thoughts are with Jackie and family
13

10.01am 2nd February 2012
Neil Farmer from Christchurch

A good man - his actions always spoke louder than his words. Swimming is in a better place today because of this life times work.
12

8.10pm 1st February 2012
Martyn Thomas from Cheltenham, Glos

As an adversary for Cheltenham v Walsall, a peer & team-mate in the British Team followed by coach to the team, I have nothing but respect and admiration for Noel, his commitment to our sport and his support as a friend.
As Jim Shekhdar has said, ‘a true gentleman’.
RIP Noel
11

8.01pm 1st February 2012
Robbie Phillips

Noel a true gentleman in and out of the water. R.I.P. Noel.
10

10.47am 1st February 2012
John Wileman from Nottingham

A tremendous loss to us all, Noel was always available for advice and support, he was a gentleman, a friend and for a short while my boss.
He set a strong direction for swimming in Nottingham and between John Brookes and himself put Nottingham on the national map.
Our thoughts are with Jackie and family.
9

11.57pm 31st January 2012
Stephen Kerrigan from Home near Blackpool but now on holiday in NSW Aust

I knew Noel and Jackie for many,many years through the ISRM of which I have been a member since 1968.
Noel was indeed an ambassador of the highest order for swimming,water polo and the Black Country.
Noel stood out amongst his colleagues and peers as a quiet but deep thinking man but when the chips were down and there was a fight to make for a particular pet subject of his (and there were many) he wasn’t afraid to put his head above the barriers and argue his case without fear.
RIP Noel…for the lasting legacy and impressions you have left for the industry and your friends.
8

8.49pm 31st January 2012
David Kerrrigan from City of Westminster

Noel was one of the greats of our industry and one of the very best and most personable people you could ever meet and share in his company.
The world is a better place for the influence he shared with so many people, not least his great knowledge and experience that delivered so many improvements over the years.
An icon to so many and yet always warm and accessable to all.
He left this world having made it a better place. RIP.
Our thoughts are with Jackie and his family
David Kerrigan Strategic Commissioner Sport, Leisure & Wellbeing City of Westminster
7

8.19pm 31st January 2012
Kevin Harding from Brecon, Wales

Noel had such an outstanding career and will be truly missed, his contribution to the sport of swimming, water polo and the management of swimming pools and sports facilities was first class and Jackie and all his family will be very proud of him and all of his achievements.
6

7.51pm 31st January 2012
Paul edwards from Leicesterhit86

Noel was a gentleman who I am proud to have regarded as a friend. There was no one who knew more about swimming pools and when Noel spoke you knew it was worth listening. He was also the best Treasurer I have ever known! I would put money on the fact that god has already got him designing his new 50 m pool. RIP Mr Winter
5

3.46pm 31st January 2012
Tony Cherrington vice chairman chelt lido. from Cheltenham

As an ex water polo player i also remember Neil from many great games against Walsall and more recently for his help with the A.S.A establishing Cheltenhams Sandford Park Lido as officially one of the only 50meter heated outside pools left in Britain.
4

2.44pm 31st January 2012
Linda Bishop-Bailey from Spain

My condolences to Jackie and to Noel’s surviving chidren. Noel was very special and will be greatly missed.
3

12.16pm 31st January 2012
Neil May from Brookmans Park

Having played in the England team with Noel I knew him well quite apart from the many Poly v Walsall that we played in
He is a great loss to the sport and my thoughts are with his family
2

11.14am 31st January 2012
Jim Shekhdar from United Kingdom

Goodbye Noel - One of the few gentlemen in the game, alongside Peter Pass and Dave Wright - in the old days!.
1

10.29am 31st January 2012
Neil Tasker from Brighton

as a first-team player for the Regent Street Polytechnic, I remember well the many matches we played against Walsall in the 60s and early 70s. Noel was always the best player in the Walsall side. So I remember him well, and with sadness on his passing.