Veteran Clydebank swimming coach awarded British Empire Medal

Peter Dempster was decorated at a ceremony held in Clydebank Town Hall recently for his life-long contribution to swimming.

Ahead of his 95th birthday on June 1, Peter reflected on his time at Clydebank Amateur Swimming Club.

He said: “I joined the club when I was ten years old in 1938 and I just kept going.

"I was a swimmer, then a coach, then I started water polo. I was teaching until last year as I had a bad fall and broke my hip.”

The 94-year-old was joined by his family at the service last week who shared fond memories of Peter’s swimming career.

His granddaughter praised him not only for his sporting achievements but also for being an amazing grandad.

She added: “I can’t even put into words how proud I am, I feel so emotional.

"He taught me and my brother to swim. Every Saturday he used to take us swimming, it’s just been his life.

"He’s now taught his great-granddaughter to swim. Even before swimming, he’s just an amazing person.”

Peter has led an incredible life teaching generations of Bankies his philosophy of participation for enjoyment, fitness, and team spirit.

In 2019, he was commended for his many years of voluntary work helping to coach budding swimmers in an Early Day Motion tabled in the UK Parliament by West Dunbartonshire’s MP Martin Docherty-Hughes.

Peter’s son explained that his dad also travelled to Germany a couple of years ago to visit his friend Karl Hauter, whom he had met in Duntocher while Karl was a prisoner of war.

He said: “He befriended a prisoner of war in Duntocher when he was 16 years old.

"He met him again 70 years later in 2018 in Germany. He was a champion swimmer and is still recognised in the American Hall of Fame.

"Dad took him to the swimming, his family gave him clothes because at that point the war was over.

“Karl never forgot this and he asked him to come over. So I flew over to Frankfurt with him to meet Karl, it was very moving.”

Ahead of being presented with his BEM by West Dunbartonshire’s Lord Lieutenant Jill Young, a statement was read out praising his dedication over the decades.

Peter Dempster and Anne Smillie (Image: Newsquest Staff)

It was read out by Anne Smillie, former chief executive of Badminton Scotland.

She said: “Peter has made a life-long commitment to participation, encouragement, coaching, and training in the sport of swimming and water polo and continues to be an inspiration for generations around the Clydebank area passing on his enthusiasm to countless members of the community.

“He will leave a lasting legacy in Scotland and his community will always remember everything he has done for them, he has served his country so well.”

Douglas McAllister, West Dunbartonshire’s Provost, added: “It was a great privilege for me to take part in the ceremony to award this year’s recipients of the BEM.

“The award to Mr Peter Dempster of Clydebank was so richly deserved. It was a truly humbling experience to hear of Peter’s 8 decades of service and dedication to sport and in particular swimming in Clydebank and across the country.  

“Peter has taught generations of children and adults to swim and to compete at international level and I am in no doubt that he improved the lives of countless young people.

“He has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to volunteering, and to encouraging, coaching, and training so many people.

“He will leave a lasting legacy to Clydebank Amateur Swimming, to our community, and the country.

"He is a true hero and it was an honour to be with Peter and his family when he received the British Empire Medal.”