PETER BETTERIDGE, chairman of Kingsbridge and District Swimming Pool Association, Embankment Road, Kingsbridge, writes:

It would be a travesty not to record the enormous debt owed by me, the great people who were the group KADSPA and certainly the community as a whole to the amazing Dr Henry Will who left us recently.

Those of us who were lucky and privileged enough to work with and knew Henry will remember him for his quiet dignity, solid determination and deep wisdom wrapped up with understated humour in a traditional almost Dickensian true leader and sage – a lovely man.

After 13 years of battling with local and national government, much drum banging and tin rattling, culminating in the opening of the pool in Kingsbridge, most of KADSPA, myself included could walk away satisfied with a job well done but not Henry.

His task, supported by his partners and the team at Beers Solicitors, was to carry on for several years in collecting and administering much of the £300,000 raised locally through deeds of covenant before finally winding up the company.

But that was not enough for Henry, as is well documented he then went on in 'retirement' to save Ford Park cemetery, which culminated in him receiving a much-deserved MBE.

Henry, certainly made his mark on the communities he was part of and leaves a world that is a better place for his having been in it.

Next time you use Kingsbridge swimming pool, spare a second to give a thought to Henry, I have not seen it written whether there is a swimming pool in heaven but if not they had better clear a space – Henry is on his way.