Yesterday was a sad day for many in and around the city as well as the Lido. While the city basked in the glorious spring sunshine the Cathedral was packed for a funeral service. This was no ordinary service, It was for a man who’s life touched so many people young and old.
Christopher David Allen was born in Thorpe Hall in 1957. A few years later, as a four year old toddler, he was first introduced to the Lido when his parents took him along hoping to teach him to swim. After his father failed to get young Chis swimming he met the then unknown Latvian lifeguard, Walter Cornelius. This extrovert character succeeded where his parents failed and a lifelong friendship ensued.
Chris’s swimming career went from strength to strength, Winning competition and medals Swimming the English Channel not just once but twice. He became a lifeguard at the Lido then a stint as manager. The young Chris Allen and the extrovert Walter Cornelius’s partnership at the Lido was the place where the duo pulled off many stunts that would give today’s Health and Safety Inspectors nightmares. These came to an abrupt halt when in 1983 Walter suffered a fatal heart attack. The Lido’s weather vane that depicts one of Walter’s crazy stunt of trying to fly across the river Nene was an idea that came to Chris when walking to the lido for his morning swim. The weathervane would be a tribute to Walter’s life and the Lido’s 75th anniversary.
Chris’s career was never confined to swimming. He was a musician, an actor, and a model during his youth. He then became a teacher of English and PE in several local schools as well as a special school in Spalding where the pupils were neurodiverse. Wherever he taught he was loved by all his students and the staff alike. Most called him Mr A. Teaching was where he met his wife Tina. Chris and Tina produced many student theatrical performances.
Music was a great passion and he could play several instruments He performed and entertained in several bands and groups over the years. Touring the country and abroad as well as locally. Many gig he and his fellow musician’s played raised money for charities.
Chris’s diagnosis of cancer was fought stoically, he didn’t allow it to stop his music gigs. His life tragically ended where it began in Thorpe Hall surrounded by his family.
A life that touches others goes on for ever.
