A TADLEY man has celebrated his birthday with a get together held at a pool where he has been a member of since it first opened.
Bryan Hailstone celebrated his 90th birthday on Wednesday, August 3 by going for a swim at Tadley Health and Fitness Centre.
He was joined by family and friends, who then treated him to a lovely birthday cake.
Bryan joined the fitness centre as a member when it first opened in 1997, 25 years ago.
He tries to swim most days, saying: “Swimming keeps me active".
READ MORE: Teenage brothers take up 'extraordinary' challenges to raise money for community pool
Bryan continued: “I’m at my happiest when I’m in the pool.
“I used to swim regularly with my friend Bill King who was slightly older than me and I miss Bill’s company since he stopped swimming due to health issues, but I’ve got loads of friends here at Tadley, and the staff like Sian and Tom are lovely.
“It’s such a great little centre. We’re lucky to have it.
“It’s particularly good for people in the later years, as the impact on joints and bones is so minimal compared to something like walking or jogging.”
A stalwart of the community, Bryan has been a member of the Hook and Odiham Lions club for more than 40 years, joining when it was called the Loddon Valley Lions.
He has been married to his wife Brenda for more than 40 years, with the couple currently looking forward to welcoming their 20th grandchild.
Hazel Tilbury, chair of Basingstoke and Deane Community Leisure Trust, which operates the fitness centre, said: “Congratulations to Bryan on this milestone birthday.
SEE ALSO: Arts and crafts shop to celebrate first anniversary with 'fun-filled' event
“It’s wonderful to hear that he’s still enjoying his swimming.
“Bryan is the perfect example of how staying active in your later years can help you stay happy and healthy.
“Here’s to many more years, and many more lengths of the Tadley pool!”
A message from the editor
Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support.
Subscribing means you have unrestricted access to the latest news and reader rewards - all with an advertising-light website.
Don't take my word for it – subscribe here to see for yourself.
Looking to advertise an event? Then check out our free events guide.
Want to keep up with the latest news and join in the debate? You can find and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here