The 72nd Sgt. Thomas memorial race was swum in atrocious conditions on Saturday morning. There were two races, the first won by Nicola Sanderson, the second by Rob Ouldcott (cheered on from the bank by a warm, well wrapped-up daughter Lilly who had very sensibly decided supporting was better than competing). Rob, having performed better against his handicap, was presented with the cup by Brian Thomas (the current Hon. Secretary) and his sister Julia, nephew and niece of Tommy Thomas. Tommy joined the club as a schoolboy in 1936 and enlisted with the RAF early in WW2. He was killed in September 1941, aged 19, when the Blenheim bomber on which he was gunner/navigator crashed on take off at RAF Wotton killing all on board.
Brian's son Oli and his friend George also had a dip. Not the best of days for an introduction to the delights of the lake.
