Second fixture in the Emmi Hunte series, but the first race. The aftermath of storm Eunice led to the cancellation of the February 50m (55 yards) leg of the four-race series.
Anna, Sam and the Baker Boys (Max and Theo) were on hand to present some lovely prizes.
Anna was a gentle pool swimmer when she optimistically joined us in 2004 to train for a Channel relay. Anna was so overwhelmed with the experience that she went on to complete a solo crossing the following year.
A lovely spring morning, though with the water at 9.4c and the air 8c it did feel slightly nippy
The "fast bods" underway under a beautiful sky
Emmi Hunte started the "slow mob" with her characteristic double arm backstroke
Anna joined the club in 2004 to train for a Channel relay. She "enjoyed" the experience so much that the following summer she completed a solo crossing.
Channel solo, 13 July 2005 (elegantly colour coordinated to the very finish). 17 hours and 32 minutes. (Duff Kelly at the time - "I couldn't sleep for that long, let alone swim")
For further information on Anna's long-distance exploits and her history with the club please follow this link to the race we missed report from March 2021 -
http://serpentineswimmingclub.com/news/51086/anna-and-sam-baker-110-yards
The fast race underway, whilst Paddy ambles back taking in the sunshine
The race in full flow.
(Many thanks to Vanessa Marshall for the race photos)
Past president Norman Jones stood in for the absent new boy president Rob Ouldcott to let us know all about Anna, her family and her swimming exploits
Norman announced that when they grow up Theo will play for QPR and Max will play rugby for England (or is it the other way round?)
Norman rustled-up some photos from Anna's not so distant swimming past and displayed them outside the changing room
Also on display was one of Sam's paintings of his local lido at Shere
Overall winner over the two races (against his handicap), Simone Piccoli
Laure Latham was also in a prize position
Norman snuck-in too
Swimmer's long reach from Chris Hatcher in order to shake hands with Sam
Note the flower and cake theme of the prizes
Club captain Deirdre did not miss out
Saul, the man in the black swim hat
With a prize still to be collected neither the judges nor the assembled throng were sure who had snuck into the vacant 7th or 8th place. "The swimmer with the black hat" came the shout from the back, and up strode new boy Saul. Whisper it quietly, but the shout came suspiciously from the location where he was standing. And thus starts a new Serps' legend/tradition.