Frank Mettam was a WWI veteran and creator of the much-loved Mettam's Pool.
Seriously wounded by enemy shrapnel in the battle of the Somme, Frank was repatriated to Australia in October 1916. Living in Third Avenue, Mount Lawley, he was advised by his doctors to go to the ocean regularly to swim and walk to help regain use of his badly injured leg. This led Frank to North Beach where he purchased land in First Street, later to become Mettam Street - his being the first house built there in the early 1930s.
With a number of drownings along this stretch of coast over the years, Frank wanted to create an improved natural pool where children and families could play happily, safe from sharp rocks, sharks and rough sea. He planned to create an inner and outer pool, with a channel connecting the two. He knew he'd need explosives - a few crates of beer to the Perth Road Board crew working on the new West Coast Highway did the trick!
A large crow bar was the only other tool required - and so over 35 years Frank, his children and grandchildren all worked to clear away the limestone reef to create the popular swimming and snorkelling spot here today. "Just one more rock", he used to say.
Eventually Lennard's Pool was renamed Mettam's Pool in recognition of his work.
Even after his retirement in 1961, Frank's work at Mettam's Pool wasn't finished - he successfully lobbied the council to put in the showers, toilets and accessibility ramps so that even more people could enjoy what he had created.
While Frank would never get away with literally blowing up reef today, he did create what he set out to do - Mettam's Pool is a fantastic spot to safely enjoy the ocean.
You are looking for a camo nano - don't forget your pen. This is a busy location so please be mindful of muggles.
This cache is compliant with the City of Stirling rules on geocaching.