It was the turn of the SLSC to win the trophy, but fun was had by all. With news of what happened Deirdre Ward writes of how we competed with determination but very very narrowly lost the trophy with the final stroke of the final race.
Sunday saw the 53rd Serpentine SC vs South London SC Doug Smith Gala, held at Tooting Bec Lido.
In the early 60s, SLSC decided to hold a winter gala to raise interest in cold water swimming. They invited a number of clubs in London, but the Serpentine was the only one to turn up and the legendary competition between the two clubs was born. The cup is fittingly name after Doug Smith who was a member of both
This year was the usual organised chaos with many sterling swims across all age groups. Some brave souls who turned up to support, valiantly stepped up to swim a few races and proved worthy
Sadly. when all the points and bonus points and bonus bonus points were totted up, it was not to be our year and the cup passed to the SLSC. However we did not go empty handed as Ron, the oldest Serpentine swimmer on the day, was presented with a bottle of whiskey.
Club President Norman Jones, assisted by Club Captain Gordon Brodie, spoke of the special relationship between our two clubs and highlighted those who have been and are members of both clubs such as Cyril and Yvonne and John Sexton.
A massive thank you to South London SC for once again hosting a great event. They will host another gala in March and we look forward to visiting them again.
[Deirdre Ward]
[Photos and video: John Finch and Nick Hungerford all photos best at 200kbs size for the web]
SLSC beat the Serps at Tooting Bec
