News

Hats off to the handicapping team for a morning of competitive fun.

Victory in an event going back 92 years went to team captain Nick Hungerford and his crew -  Simone Piccoli, Brad Fultz and Blyda Hefer.

The morning was completed with cake and candles for Lorraine Jones.

A race celebrating the contribution to the club of Alan Titmuss, who joined in 1950 aged 13.  There was also a blue and white hooped theme from club members that shared Alan's devotion to Queens Park Rangers.

A large turnout from four generations of the family saw Paulette Titmuss present the Titmuss cup to Callum Higgins.  Though having appeared in prize positions, this was Callum's first first place.

The race was preceded by the Veterans' cup, for those of us of a certain vintage.  Andrew Fuller (joined 1985) backstroked to victory.

A race in memory of a lovely, weightlifting character from Bethnal Green.

The prizes were provided by Ron's great Serpentine friends Kirsty Neilson and Mary Olivary.  Kirsty was away, but the always effortlessly elegant Mary was on hand to present the Ron (the Con) Whittam Power Cup to winner Debs Byatt.

Why the "Power cup"?  Ron was a power lifter.  He continued to compete into his eighties.

Why "the Con"?  Don't ask!

Why is Mary Olivary "always effortlessly elegant"?  She just is.

Paul Daniels stormed to the front of the procession to be crowned swimming head of state for the morning.

Eric Carter presented a cup in memory of D-day veteran Doug Smith -  a leading figure at the South London Swimming Club who swam with the Serpentine Swimming Club from 1956 until his premature death in 1967.  During his time with us Doug strengthened the already close ties between the two clubs and contributed greatly to the 1964 club centenary book, "Breaking the Ice".

Past president (1989-92) Mike Olizar and wife Sally presented the cup remembering another past president (1968-71) Maurice Ferris.

Stuart Bowman took the honours in this closely contested 400m handicap race.

Bill Phipps daughter Theresa travelled up from south Wales with husband Laurance to present the Bill Phipps cup.   She was joined by her brother Lucian.

Jamal Saad held off the rapidly approaching fast mob to snatch the silverware in an exiting finish.

We were joined for the morning by Saundra Satterlee, Tony's long term solemate, who presented the Cuthbert cup to new girl Katie.

This was the fourth of the five race Club Championship series.

Jeremy Newton repeated his 2021 victory, winning the Alan Lacy breaststroke race for the Clary Reed cup.  Is this Newton's Law for the 21st Century?  .....  that twice every three years Jeremy will win the cup.

Plus a fine turnout from the Lacy family, and a fine birthday cake for Simone.

A rich seam of swimming blood runs through the veins of Serpentine distance and ice swimmer Sami Robertson.

Sami’s grandfather, Bill Lovely, was an England international who was also the Team Manager of the GB Water Polo Squad at the 1948 Olympic Games.

Sir Anthony Cleaver sidestroked to victory on an overcast and chilly morning (water 11c, air 9c).

Cup and prizes presented by Tommy's nephew Brian Thomas, joined by many other family members