Edward (Ted) Arthur Swift

Edward (Ted) Arthur Swift (1923–2024) born on 13 February 1923, was the eldest brother to Ernie, Brian, Murray and Jen.

Leaving school at 14, Ted had a variety of jobs: working in a bakery, a grocer’s shop, as a trainee gardener, postman, driving a laundry van.  At the start of the World War 2, aged 16, Ted trained with the Territorial Army at Scotney Castle, but at 18, was declared medically unfit for military service.  Instead he helped the war effort by being a fireman.  After the war, Ted continued to have various jobs: he worked on a farm, became a wedding photographer and after moving into the building trade, he built up a successful business installing swimming pools all over the country.

Ted met Cynthia when they were 18.  They married the following year on 24 April 1943 and were married for 78 years, living in Sevenoaks, Westfield, Church Fields and after retiring, in Shaftesbury, Dorset before returning to Fairlight, East Sussex and then Parkstone Road.  Ted and Cynthia had three children, Margeret, Mike and Marilyn, six grandchildren, and eight great grandchildren.

Ted loved gardening, dancing, dogs and owned over 30 cars.