Funeral date set for The Bridge Swimming Club's David Finney - The Redditch Standard

Funeral date set for The Bridge Swimming Club's David Finney

Redditch Editorial 16th Nov, 2019   0

DAVID Finney, co-founder of The Bridge Swimming Club, originally set up for members of the Boys and Girls Brigade, recently passed away, aged 86.

During his 40 plus years volunteering, David taught generations of young people to swim.

His enthusiasm was evident as when a child successfully achieved their goal he would shout encouragement, smile and jump up and down on the side of the pool before shaking their hands.

David won the Inspire Redditch Unsung hero Award in 2013, Pride of Redditch in 2015 and was the BBC Midlands Sports Unsung Hero Award winner in 2016 which was presented by Katherine Merry (the fastest 400m runner in the world in 2001) at Villa Park.




David was also a swimming coach for Redditch Swimming Club, becoming involved in 1972 when he took his sons to learn to swim.

He was the lead teacher of the learn-to-swim classes at Kingsley and previously Hewell Road baths.


On Wednesday evenings he also ran adult swimming sessions.

On Sunday mornings David ran a badminton club teaching children and adults at Kingsley.

As recognition from the club David was given life membership and on his retirement, the naming of a RSC trophy in his honour, the David Finney Cup.

David was able to return from his new home in Derbyshire to present this trophy for the first time, later in 2017.

His passion for coaching sports grew out of his involvement with The Stonehouse Gang, a Birmingham youth club.

They tried to direct youngsters in juvenile courts into sport and away from a life of crime.

David’s funeral is this Monday, November 18 at 12.30pm at Redditch Crematorium. Family flowers only.

Donations received will be split between The Stone House Gang and Willow Wood Hospice.

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