A legacy left by a former Teignmouth mayor to put towards a roof on Teignmouth’s Lido has been diverted to benefit two local swimming charities.

Fred Tooley died in January 2021 at the age of 81. The talented boxer, who served as a councillor for 22 years and was Teignmouth’s mayor three times, had entrusted £2,569.40 to Teignmouth Town Council to be used to add a roof to the town’s outdoor pool.

Recently, Teignmouth Town Council agreed that the funds would only represent a portion of the total cost required for the project and reached out to the Tooley family to see if they would prefer that the funds be used elsewhere.

In response, the family has chosen two charities that promote water safety and a love for water-based activities: Teignmouth Swimming Club and Teignmouth Beach Surf Life Saving Club. Each organisation will receive £1,284.70 to support their invaluable contributions to the community.

‘We are grateful to local historian Viv Wilson MBE for her assistance in coordinating with the Tooley family,’ a town council spokesperson said. ‘This charitable act not only honours Fred Tooley's memory but also strengthens the spirit of community and support that he so passionately championed.’

The council and the community extend their heartfelt gratitude to the Tooley family for their generosity and to all involved in making this meaningful contribution possible.

Fred was from a well-known boxing family and played a pivotal role in establishing an amateur boxing and athletics club in Teignmouth, which was opened by Henry Cooper in 1973. The club produced several champions including Fred’s son Martin who boxed for England. Fred served on the Town Council from 1979-1987, and again from 1991-2015 and was Teignmouth mayor in 1992-1993, 2000-2001 and 2008-2009.

Questions over the future of Teignmouth’s Lido were raised recently as part of a review by Teignbridge District Council about how to make ends meet. Councillors said there is no desire to close the popular pool but they may consider offering it to another group to run.

Teignmouth Lido reopened in 2023 after three years following Covid disruptions and an £800,000 decarbonisation upgrade.