Serpentine Swimming Club

A cup crafted out of a single ingot by silversmith Bill Phipps.  Saturday's race remembers one of the club's marvellous characters from the recent past.

To describe Bill as "interesting" is akin to describing the Tower of London as "nice" and the crown jewels "pretty".

One morning, two races (for some).

Chris Hatcher had the privilege of winning the race honouring a Serpentine all time great.  A happy morning with fifteen Titmuss family members and friends joining us.

The main event was preceded by the Veterans' race for the Brew Brothers cup.  Ruta Skatikaite won her first ever silverware.

Chris Hatcher was a popular winner of the Alan Titmuss cup.  It was Alan who introduced Chris to the club in 1980 when they worked together at the Hillingdon Council architecture department.

As per previous years, we had a blue and white hooped theme from the many west and north west London club members who share Alan's affection for Queens Park Rangers Football Club.  Another happy connection -  Chris was instumental is Alan becoming a season ticket holder.

The cup is swum in memory of a veteran of the Normandy landings, 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".

Prizes presented by Rob and Sarah Ouldcott, for one year only.  Holiday commitments meant a race day swap with usual Doug Smith cup sponsor Eric Carter.

In President Laure's absence past President Rob spoke about Doug Smith.  Dame Laura Lee spoke a lot about Sarah, and a little bit about Rob.

Nancy Babarinde powered to victory to take Ron the Con Power cup. 

"Power Cup"?  So named in recognition of Ron's lifelong sport of power lifting.  Ron contunued to compete (and win) into his 80s.  Body building, wrestling and a bit of boxing were also extensively dabbled.

At the finish of the race the participants swam at "Ron speed" for a further 84 metres (or yards if you wish -  no one was checking) in recognition of Ron's 84 years when he died in March 2016.  This is a custom we have followed since the 2016 race, just two months after Ron's death.  What was a spontaneous suggestion by Kevin Blick is now a well established tradition.