Tribute to swimming teacher and ex-Melksham News photographer

FORMER freelance photographer for Melksham News and well-known face at Melksham Blue Pool, Ivan Hatter, has died at the age of 85.

In his earlier years, Ivan was an apprentice painter and decorator in Melksham and also worked for Jaffray’s Antiques. He also worked in a job that fulfilled his passion for swimming, as a lifeguard at Melksham Swimming Pool when it was an open air pool. He also taught people to swim at Melksham Swimming Club and also taught life-saving classes.

Ivan’s passion for photography often found him in his own dark room developing his photographs. He used this skill and hobby  and enjoyed being out and about, helping to take photographs for Melksham News. He also enjoyed taking photographs of film and TV crews on location locally and produced an exhibition of his photographs of the filming of the hit TV series ‘Cranford’ in Lacock.

Ivan had been married to Janet for almost 62 years, and the couple had two  daughters Tracey and Sandy, grandchildren Kate and Martyn, and great-grandchildren Jazmine, Phoebe and William.

Janet, Tracey and Sandy said, “We will miss him so much after all these years. He was in a brilliant care home for the past two months and was well taken care of in hospital before that. The whole of the family will miss him being around and love him dearly.”

The funeral service will take place on Thursday 15th February, 11.30am, at Semington Crematorium. Family flowers only and any donations in memory of Ivan are for The Alzheimer’s Support and Ferfoot Care Home c/o DJ Bewley Funeral Directors, 15 Bank Street, Melksham, SN12 6LE 01225 702521.