Swimming hero

Droylsden’s long distance swimmer Derek Turner astounded the experts by swimming the English Channel at his first attempt. 

The man from Manor Road took up the challenge on a shoestring budget of £150 following generous donations and fundraising by fellow members of Stalybridge Swimming Club.

His achievement in 1963 was all the more remarkable in weather that was so rough, he had to be fed from a rowing boat instead of the motor launch accompanying him.

Derek battled his way through three thunderstorms with lightning striking the water on all sides. There was also the added danger of an unusually large number of ships making the crossing overnight, with fears that he might be swamped by the ‘wash’ from passing craft.

After enduring such treacherous conditions, a triumphant homecoming seemed to be within his grasp - but not before one last drama. A sudden change in the current saw Derek swept off course from his expected landing in Dover, taking him several miles down the coast to Sandgate near Folkestone, where he arrived 15 hours 39 minutes after he had first entered the water at Cap Griz Nez in northern France.

Derek paid a heartfelt tribute to his swimming coach Sammy Steele, of Cranbourne Road, Ashton and three 17-year-old lads Alan Bottoms, David Mutter and Jim Fox who had spent night after night in rowing boats on Stamford Park lake so that Derek could practise swimming in the dark.

“I would like to thank all who helped me, not forgetting the Stamford Park committee which so kindly allowed me to use the lake to train,” he stated afterwards.

Derek was honoured to receive a commemorative silver salver from Stalybridge Council - together with a lifetime free pass for the town’s swimming baths.