Sutton & Cheam Swimming Club’s much-loved president Fred Andrews has died aged 97.
Fred joined Sutton & Cheam in 1970, starting a remarkable involvement that grew into more than five decades of unwavering commitment to the club.
In that time he served in a variety of roles, including committee member, competition secretary, treasurer and chairman.
He served as president for the last 30 years of his life, becoming one of the club’s most cherished figures.
He was immensely proud to follow his good friend Charles Thurley Snr as president, carrying on the tradition of service that has helped shape the club to where it is now.
His long association with Sutton & Cheam went far beyond holding positions of responsibility, rather about the people and their shared passion for swimming and water polo that brought everyone together.
Fred understood that a swimming club was not just about competitions, results or medals, but also about building confidence, encouraging young people and creating a sense of belonging.
For generations of swimmers, Fred will be fondly remembered as a teacher at Cheam Baths, where he helped the club’s youngest members take their first steps on their swimming journeys.
His warm, patient manner made a lasting impression on all who knew him. He always had a friendly word for swimmers and parents alike and, for those who had been good, there was often a sweet waiting in his bag.
Even in his final days, his thoughts remained firmly with the club. He continued to ask for news about the spring open meet and whether the club had a full team for the final round of the British Water Polo League.
He was universally respected throughout the swimming and water-polo communities, where his many years of service and dedication earned him great admiration from those fortunate enough to have known him.
His family have been inundated with messages of condolence from current and former members, many reaching out from around the world to share their memories and express their gratitude for everything Fred had done.