Harry James Wooldridge (24 Jul 1937 - 20 Nov 2023)

In loving memory of Harry James Wooldridge who sadly passed away on 20th November 2023

Much loved husband of Ivy for more than 60 years, dad to Tina, Simon and Lesley, father in law to Peter, Marion and Steve. Grandfather to Anny, Emma, Sophie and Catrina and great grandpa to Harper.

Harry and family were well known in Sheringham for owning a petrol station and garage. Harry started water skiing in 1957 on the sea at Sheringham in wooden boats he hand-crafted himself.Harry was the founder of Bluebird Deaf Waterski Club which was formed in 1965 and found a new home later at the lake in Taverham. This was one of the ways he overcame daily discrimination that was all too common for the deaf community. This was alongside exceeding all societal expectations by becoming an exceptional marine engineer who was trusted by many organisations, including the RNLI and the local fishing community, to service and repair boats.

Waterskiing, however was his main passion and he manufactured wooden boats for the Club to use. Eventually, he transitioned to making these boats out of fibreglass and turned his hand to making swimming pools with his son Simon. He felt one of his greatest achievements was building boats capable of taking competing skiers to cross the English Channel, which was successful on the third attempt in 1979 with two Bluebird-crewed boats, despite the odds. He carried on waterskiing into his seventies and has seen the Club turn into one of the most successful voluntary clubs in the country and the only one to hold international ranking competitions.

The club was his passion and even a few days before he sadly passed he was asking after everybody. His influence on the sport within the deaf and hearing communities in Norfolk is immeasurable and he inspired countless adults and children to get involved in the sport he loved so much. His dedication to the club will continue through his family and friends, and hopefully, we can all continue to inspire future generations.

If you are attending Harry’s celebration of life the family have requested no black and family flowers only. Donations can be made for equipment to Access Adventures who deliver life changing adaptive sports and activities. If you would like more information on this charity please visit www.accessadventures.co.uk