Cultureshock

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Video transcript

As a child I went to Claremont School for slow learners between the ages of nine and sixteen. I enjoyed this school as I did more there than mainstream school, as I was never there. I would be down on the beach collecting sea coal. While I was a pupil there I took up swimming at Seaton Carew Hall Baths. Mr Sharp, the swimming instructor decided I was good enough to take the gold medal in lifesaving without having to do the bronze and silver first. I took the lifesaving test for gold and passed it.

At a gala day Mr Sharp presented me with the gold medal and also the bronze and silver medal at the same time. Twenty-five years later this event was mentioned in the Hartlepool Mail and I am going to be included in the 50th anniversary edition. It was noted that I was the first child with learning difficulties to achieve this award. I went on to swim for the town regional competitions.

I have been a member of the Buffs of the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes since 1975. This is a charitable fundraising organisation and last year I was a Provincial Grand Primo of the South Durham Province. I am soon to present Claremont School, now known as Catcote School with a charitable donation.