A very happy Anne Mannix was first home
But the battle for fourth place threw up controversy
Underhand, underwater skullduggery was in evidence as Judith muscled past Rob on the approach to the finish line. Costume tampering will not be tolerated in our races (but only if spotted by the judges).
Rob welcomed the morning's race sponsor Leanne, and the rest of the Serpentine Ashrafian family: Hutan, Persie and Ariabela. Rob told tales of how Leanne joined us as part of the "Imperial Medics Mafia" and of her great sporting prowess which includes a magnificent London Marathon time of 2 hours 54 minutes.
As explained to the gathered crowd by President Rob, this half-mile race has been on our fixture list for over 70 years and was introduced to remember Sid and Chas Greenbury.
Sidney and Charles were two of the three Greenburg brothers that joined the club in 1909. The other was Albert, club President 1935 to 1955, whose direct descendants present the Peter Pan cup each Christmas - Albert took over from Sir James Barrie in 1933. Due to rising anti-Semitism in the 1930s the family changed the name to Greenbury.
A cup in memory of Tommy Bradshaw, who was already a long-standing member when the three Greenburgs joined, has been presented to the winner since 2011. The Bradshaw cup had found its way back to the club after half a century. This particular race seemed the most appropriate home within our fixture card, Tommy having raced with all three Greenburg brothers.
The Greenbury tradition within the club continues to this day. Lucy Harris, a granddaughter of Albert Greenbury, is a regular competitor in our club races.
For much more details on Leanne's exploits and of the 19th and 20th-century club history regarding Tommy Bradshaw and the Greenburys please follow this link to last year's report:
http://serpentineswimmingclub.com/news/51109/2021-bradshaw-cup
Tommy Bradshaw (centre). Winner of the 1926 Winter Competition
Just as the presentation was about to commence, one of the Ashrafian family spontaneously demonstrated their sprinting abilities
Recovered
A future sprint champion carried aloft
Anne Mannix first to cross the line
Paul Daniels second
Nichola Sanders 3rd
Judith Charman 4th
An unexpected fifth prize for Rob
Leanne Harling joined us in 2002
Ready for a very chilly late winter dip, 2019
Peter Pan cup winner, 2017
Leanne kindly took some snaps at the start of the race
Ready to start counting
A patient John Luckhurst taking in the rays whilst waiting for his mark
Rob Ouldcott (in water) rehearsing his post race speech
All quite on the western front
A good luck hug for Norman from Rosie
Report compiled by Brian Thomas