SHIRLEY SWIMMING POOL - Key Persons
Dave Perry started working at the Shirley Pool in the summer of 1974, helping his Dad barrow the earth for the pool foundations as a schoolboy and returned full time in 1993 to run the business. Qualifying as a swimming teacher in 1981 and then as an ASA Tutor he has many years experience in the water and is the driving force behind the current teaching philosophy.
"We have been gifted with lovely teachers over the years, who really enjoy teaching children to swim. We have taken American and Australian influences and the best teaching practices we can find here to build the plan, but it's always evolving. Consistency of teachers is vital and if you look at the other teachers on this page there are some common themes: they are all very proud of their work, love teaching swimming . My Dad, Frank, designed the perfect teaching pools and I am proud to have built the business up from that foundation with the help of a great team "
Gina joined Shirley Pool in 2019 as Receptionist.
A mother of two, Gina brings her parenting experience and enthusiasm to the baby teaching classes.
Luke Perry has worked, on and off since 2002. Starting as a Saturday boy, Luke soon learnt the teaching methods and philosophies of the swim school and became qualified as an ASA Teacher.
He went on to gain Beach Lifeguard and Surf Instructor qualifications while studying & working in Cornwall. Luke used his experience as a part-time chef to help launch the BIG RED Bus Cafe in 2014.
Luke became the Managing Director of Shirley Pool in 2020.
Although Viv does not have regular toddler or baby classes, she will often be seen at the pool, stepping in to take an early morning class when a teacher can't make it. It's not just that she lives close to the pool though, Viv is also the longest serving baby teacher having started at Shirley in1990.
In those days, when the oldest boy, Callum, was at playgroup, Luke (2) would be sat on poolside with the playdough while Mum taught. Later, Jack, the youngest boy, would be juggled on an arm while Viv helped on reception. Throughout the development of the pool and building the business, Viv was ever present.