A dull morning, but lots of sunny and happy memories of Louis Schendler. Prizes and trophy presented by daughter Bunny.
This was the last 100-yard race before the start of the 55 yards (50m) Winter Series sprints to be raced over the next eight Saturdays up to Christmas Eve.
(Plus a note from the Hon. Secretary regarding qualification for the Christmas Day race)
Trophy winner Poppy
Bunny is a Kenwood ponds regular and no stranger to winter swimming.
Louis Schendler joined the club in the 1960s
Louis in the late 1990s
Louis joined the club in the 1960s and was a midweek and weekend swimmer. A psychologist by profession it was always joked that the club members of that era provided him with many very interesting case studies.
Louis lived locally (Bayswater?) and most early mornings would walk across Kensington Gardens with Eric Carter on their way to the lake chatting and putting the world to rights. Louis would stroll along in a baggy, roll neck jumper, with his trunks rolled up in a towel tucked under his arm. None of these fancy sports bags and dry-robes we see nowadays for Louis!
Louis was so committed to his patients that he continually put off necessary heart surgery. Sadly, when he finally went into hospital he died on the operating table. The beautiful trophy is a fitting way for the club to remember such a beautiful man.
On one occasion Louis and Bill Phipps left the changing room wearing each other’s trousers. They did not realise until they each required their respective keyrings. This "wrong trousers" tradition was revived a few years ago by two current club members, James Norton and Vincent Couffon.
Nothing new under the sun, nor within the Serpentine Swimming Club.
The dark and dull morning was brightened by Robin's coat whilst he shouted out the handicap marks
The race underway
The back-markers getting ready
Almost all gone
A strung out field
Swimming through the finish line
Simone helped the judging
Race over. Time to take stock.
With the lake a balmy 13.5c many of the racers took time to stand and chat prior to a leisurely swim back
After the race was over the sun came out to illuminate Rennes Bridge
Half a Hatcher having swum the whole way back
Big smile from Paddy
Though over dressed for the race (no neoprene allowed) Paddy enjoyed his swim and exited the lake with his standard beaming smile
President Rob told of stories behind the beautiful trophy
Bunny provided some lovely prizes
Rob wistfully wondering why he did not get one
Poppy Lund 1st
Jamal Saad 2nd
3rd home, Jonathan Neal
Tony Schiemann 4th
Three big cheers....
It was a big birthday for Jon Benton
Cakes were enjoyed
The "heats" officially commence at 8am. However, the first heat will commence when the first twelve competitors are available.
This report from 2020 outlines the history of the Winter Competition
http://serpentineswimmingclub.com/news/51075/2020-winter-series
The Winter Series of races for the Bernard Fettes Cup also serves as a qualifier for entry to the 2022 Christmas Day race:
- Swimmers on the handicap list before the start of the Winter Series (on 5 November 2022), must compete in at least 2 of the 8 Winter Series races.
- Swimmers NOT on the handicap list before the start of the Winter Series, must compete in 6 of the 8 Winter Series races.
- Swimmers unable to fulfil the above requirements may contact the race sub-committee by contacting the Hon. Secretary by Monday 19 December 2022 to be considered for entry into the race.
The list of qualifiers will be published on Wednesday 21 December 2022.
(Laure Latham, Hon. Secretary)
Winter Competition, 1954
Sid Levy in full flight
(report compiled by Brian Thomas)