Today we raced in memory of Tony Cuthbert, the man who wrote the club anthem: "In the duck poo, that's what we do, come on in the water's fine. You are in my heart forever, oh my darling Serpentine".
Saundra Satterlee presented the Tony Cuthbert cup to the winner of the penultimate leg of the five-race Club Championship series, Jess Kelly. Anita Goyos came a close second, followed by new boy Sami Robertson.
The morning was notable for the maiden speech of our new president, Rob Ouldcott. Rob welcomed Saundra and recalled legendary club stories of Tony Cuthbert, who contributed so much fun and laughter to the club
Tony Cuthbert, 1941 - 2011
Tony was introduced to the club in 1998. Ex Three Day Eventer Tony never won the All Clothes Race, but he was most certainly always the best presented. (photo: Jeremy Hunter-Coddington)
Tony with exotic Hyde Park wildlife
It is Tony that club members have to thank for first arranging the monster discount at the Serpentine Cafe
Tony's long term partner Saundra spoke with fondness of their years together at the club
Saundra shared a cherished photo showing Tony, horse and (if you look very closely) bottle of whisky in-hand. (photo: Fiona Campbell)
Having missed the last few Saturdays, this was Rob Ouldcott's maiden presidential speech - complete with hand gestures
(photo: Fiona Campbell)
Mike Barron stepped-in for Dani Lobo as judge for the morning
A virtual non-swimmer when Tony signed her up to the club in 2000, Saundra went on to become the first woman to win our summer blue ribbon event, the 1000 yards Bridge to Bridge, in 2002.
Tony was a real "character", in keeping with the long tradition of the Serpentine Swimming Club acting as a magnet to oddness. Born in 1941 Tony joined the club in 1998, in his late 50s. His earlier sporting prowess was as a three-day eventer. Unfortunately a hip replacement lead him to quite literally hang up his spurs. Equine's loss was swimming's gain. It also left Tony with a very handy choice of outfits for the All Clothes Race.
Maybe not a swimming champion, but certainly a champion of fun and laughter.
For much more detail on Tony and Saundra's massive contribution to the fun side of the club please follow this link to "the Race We Missed" report from 2021 -
http://serpentineswimmingclub.com/news/51093/tony-cuthbert-cup
Saundra and Tony took the lead in organising many social events.
Seen here in summer 2009 at Emmi Hunte's 70th birthday bash afternoon at the Lido
1st home in this scratch race, Jess Kelly
Fellow American Jess is the current club champion. (photo: Fiona Campbell)
Anita Goyos, a close second
(photo: Fiona Campbell)
Sami Robertson, a very keen 3rd
(photo: Fiona Campbell)
Saundra presented a somewhat tenuous "Tony themed" prize to the final finisher, Mike Olizar
"My Family and Other Animals", by Clare Balding. It was Tony who provided Clare with her first horse. (photo: Fiona Campbell)
An attentive crowd listened to tales of Tony
(photo: Fiona Campbell)
A lull between stories
Nick Hungerford eager for more, whilst Kevin Blick struggles to take in the enormity of yet another wild tale just heard. (photo: Fiona Campbell)
Traditional three cheers for Saundra and Tony
(photo: Fiona Campbell)
Club member Michael Cullen (aka "Speedo Mick") joined us lakeside. Having swum earlier, he was a spectator for the race
(photo: Fiona Campbell)
Tony and Saundra, swimming solemates
All Clothes Race
Christmas morning, having just finished the 100 yard race for the Peter Pan cup