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Ron the Con 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.

Plus cake from our Biarritz visitors and also a big happy birthday for Lucy Harris.

A beautiful spring morning saw Samorn Chimkeaw win her first Serpentine silverware.  A  quarter mile (400m) swum in perfect sunshine.

Eric Carter presented the cup 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".

In her absence Theresa Phipps asked Mary to stand in and present the Bill Phipps cup.  Never one to work to a script, Mary upset plans by winning the race.  President Laure Latham took control and presented the cup.  Mary did take the lead in presenting the prizes, though.

It was lovely to see long term Serpie Saundra Satterlee join us to present the prizes and cup remembering "best buddie and solemate" Tony Cuthbert.

One of the handicapper's toughest tasks of the year saw President Laure Latham take the spoils ahead of Aussie Fiona Gibson.

The race and cup honours Alan Lacy, last of the club's WW2 generation and Clary Reed, who virtually singlehandedly kept the club going during the war years.  Alan's daughters Sue and Jane, with grand daughter Clara, joined us to cheer on the competitors.

Before the cup presentation Jeremy Newton read a tribute to his father-in-law Stephen Greenbury who passed away last month.  The Greenbury family Serpentine heritage dates back 114 years.

A cup remembering Percy Clears, who joined the club in the 1900s with his three brothers.  A sapper in the Royal Engineers, Percy was killed in action in October 1918 at Harlebeck, Flanders.

A bright but chilly morning saw two 200m races.  The first home in the first race Matthew Morony performed best against his handicap to claim the spoils by holding off Illyan Kovatchev in the tightest of finishes.

Prizes were presented to the first three in each of the two races, with the Sgt Thomas cup awarded to the race winner who performed best against their repective handicap.  For the second year running Paul Daniels took the honours.

The Sgt. Thomas memorial cup was first presented in April 1942, 83 years ago.  Fourteen-year-old schoolboy Tommy Thomas joined the club in 1936.  Early in WW2 he signed-up with the RAF.  He was tragically killed on active service in 1941, aged 19.  The cup also remembers Ted Thomas, Tommy's brother.  Though not a racer, Ted was a long term member and supporter of the club.

Victory for Alan Luckhurst.  Second place for Katie Irvine.  A glorious third place for Rob Ouldcott.

Plus an unexpected cup for Katie.

Lucy Harris scooped the silverware on a morning seemingly mild in comparision to the last few weeks.  Water 7.1c.  Air 10c.  Spring round the corner?