Credibly warm British weather conditions were the backdrop to Saturday's handicap race for the Bill Phipps cup. Raced over 440 yards in water temperatures of 68F (20C), there was a large turnout. The distance and appropriate time handicap meant that some swimmers such as the speedy Cameron Kelly, holder of 99 per cent of the club's records went off last at 15.00 minutes following the departure of the first swimmer. We were finally enjoying some wonderful weather and people's swim times reflected the comfortable temperature of the water.
First home and with a perfect view of the blue British skies was Andrew Fuller in his 27th year as a member of Serpentine SC, who swam backstroke to victory. Andrew also sponsors our club's Andrew Fuller three-leg medley relay. Matt Titmuss and Trish Kelly were a close second and third respectively.
Quite a few aspiring English Channel swimmers used the morning to have a two-hour swim with feeding of chocolate Easter egg being nicely organised by Mark Fabik for swimmers and spectators alike. In the water, a crusty off-white gymnasium-style towel was discovered and promptly used as a footmat for swimmers. Perhaps it was one of someone's collection which had fallen into the water a few weeks earlier?
Swimming was followed by outdoor breakfast at the Serpentine cafe. A lovely day.
During the prizes ceremony, it was announced that Lorraine will be celebrating her 60th this week which hopefully means cake for next weekend's jubilee races.
The brilliant obituary from the Daily Telegraph for Bill Phipps is at this link. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/military-obituaries/naval-obituaries/6366615/William-Phipps.html
Previous winners of the Bill Phipps Cup are listed below.
2012 Andrew Fuller
2011 George Cselko
2010 Leslie Du Cane
2009 C. Wood
2008 D. Mackertich
2007 C. Wood
2006 S. Studd
2005 Tony Cuthbert
2004 Bill Deeley
