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Tribute to John Beswick

It is with great sadness that we report the passing of John Beswick, former secretary of ASA Midland District.

John held the post from 1998 to 2001 and was also general manager of the district from 2002-3.

Originally from Birmingham, John met his wife June at Nottingham University where both graduated in physiology, before moving to Derby where John became a lecturer at the local College.

John started in swimming – as many do – by taking his son Richard to swimming lessons. Gradually, he played a bigger part in Derby SC and its transition to the City of Derby SC.

He later took on the role of Midland District PR officer, supported by June, before becoming District Secretary, a position that he fulfilled from his Derby home before the advent of professional management staff in the regions. He spent a great deal of time upgrading the district handbook and became a life member of the district.

For some time, John was also well known as a major contributing attendee at ASA Council and an excellent photographer both for his club/county/district/region and also for Swimming Times.

Interim ASA Chief Executive, Jane Nickerson said: “John was a great servant of Midland District swimming and would go out of his way to be helpful. John was the Assistant Secretary when I held the post of Midland District Secretary and did the majority of the administration work on my behalf. I could not have carried out the role without John’s support. Like many volunteers, he was part of the lifeblood of the ASA and will be sadly missed.”

John, 80, had been ill for some time and passed away in hospital in Derby on 26 December. He leaves his wife June and children Richard and Charlotte, and grandchildren Ozzy and Sophia.

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