LOCAL Lions Club founder and champion speed skater Albert Whittle, of West Moors, has died aged 88.

Albert was born in Plymouth on October 27, 1927, but grew up in Poole.

He left school at the age of 14 to become an apprentice plumbing and heating engineer.

During the war, he became involved with bomb damage repairs.

His passion for ice skating began at the age of 19 on a winter’s morning in Poole Park.

He saw children skating on the lake and wanted to have a go himself so he went into town to buy a pair of strap-on skates.

However, on his return to the park, a notice had been put up telling people they were not allowed to skate on the lake as it was too dangerous.

That evening, he went to Bournemouth Ice Rink and instantly became hooked on the sport.

He went skating every night, eventually joining a speed skating club.

He joined a theatrical company in Brighton, travelling from venue to venue to perform in ice skating shows.

He also became involved with the engineering side of things and would help drive the trucks.

In 1959, he was presented with the Williamson Cup by the National Skating Association.

In 1960, he set up his own plumbing and heating company and moved to Ferndown.

Showbiz was still an interest of his and, six years later, he set up a theatrical property hire company, which supplied props for Royal Command Shows.

This was where he met legendary stage stars such as Dame Shirley Bassey and Dickie Henderson.

Another one of Albert’s great loves was the Lions Club.

He joined the organisation in 1969 and was the charter member for the Wimborne club, later Wimborne and Ferndown Lions Club. He also set up a new club in Blandford.

He spent more than 40 years with the Lions, holding all the major club offices during that time including president on three separate occasions.

In the late 1970s, he was district governor and responsible for more than 60 clubs.

He later received a Community Service Award from East Dorset District Council for his work in the Lions Club, as well as for being on the board of directors with the Citizens’ Advice Bureau.

Albert died on October 9, leaving behind his four children, Lisa, Debbie, Gareth, and Daniel, and two grandchildren.

A private funeral will be held at Bournemouth Crematorium on Friday, October 28, followed by a memorial service at St Mary’s Church in Ferndown, from noon to 1pm.