News

On Wednesday 28 August Stuart Bowman had the pleasure of crossing the English Channel for the seventh time.  On Saturday 31 August Stuart had the honour of becoming a Serpentine sponsor for the first time.

Sam Speirs successfully nabbed the silverware.  Post race, a few others took to their mobile devices and joined the Oasis virtual queue.

Congratulations to Stu Bowman, who successfully swam the English Channel solo for the seventh time. 

Setting off at 05:29 this morning from Samphire Hoe, and piloted for the seventh time by Paul Foreman, Stu reached Cap Gris Nez France in 12 hours and 54 minutes. 

Stu's boat support crew included Danny Mavra, and his Dad Boris, as well as Nick Adams. Sandwiches lovingly prepared by Debs Bowman. Other dryland support from Sami Robertson, Sakura Adams, Laurence Plant and Vanesa Mavra. 

Official observer was Tony Ball, with Ben working as a trainee observer.

George Brutton, a club regular from the 80s and 90s, was on hand to present race prizes for the cup with two names.  George and Annette were joined by their extended family, who braved the morning's constant drizzle.

An Aussie first and fourth.  Second place for a Pom.  A Taff third.

A massive cheer was raised for Nancy, who was presented with a prize for completing her first ever half mile race.

Produce from the Garden of England (i.e. John's back yard) presented as prizes for the 800m (880 yard) race for the Andean Project cup.  Paul Atherton harvested his first Serpentine trophy and his share of the yummies.

This race is also the third of the four race Emmi Hunte series -  February 50m, March 100m, August 800, October 100m.

Meanwhile, the club vice Captain and the club Champion were on the other side of the world, swimming down south up in the Andes proper.

Andrew Wilson took the honours.

Andrew Fuller quoted Shakespeare.

Our Hon. Handicapper's most difficult morning of the year.

The event was introduced to the club fixture list in 1983 to develop relations between the Serpentine Swimming Club (established 1864) and the Serpentine Running Club (established 1982).

The team event for the Jan Farmer Shield was won by the swimmers.  The team prize of multiple packets of Jaffa Cakes was greatly appreciated by all-comers.

The competition for the "best transition" produced some interesting artistic interpretations -   beauty definitley is in the eye of the beholder.

The white buoyed constraints were off and we were back to our standard race course.  An event with a long name and a long history, recalling members that joined in the late 19th centrury, the early 20th century, the late 20th century and the early 21st century.

Saturday 20 July saw swimming restricted to the buoyed Lido area.  A mile race was a tad unmanageable, so we "treated" ourselves to a leisurely swim up and down the 100m length of the Lido.  Some "upped and downed" a bit more than others.

So as not to deprive anyone of the weekly fix of Serpentine SC history, a link to the 2021 race report and background is provided.

A big turnout for the club's summer Blue Ribbon event as 59 club members swam the length of the lake for the Dave Milnes cup, presented by Sir Anthony and Jenny Cleaver.

Congratulations to a very happy Jamie Giles on his first Serpentine silverware success.