Club member Bobby Baxter joined us to present cup and prizes in memory of his 1889 Christmas Day winning great grandfather, who was a key club member in the late 19th century, serving on the committee from 1890 to 1902.
Members also had the chance to congratulate our vice-Captain Alan Luckhurst on his successful solo English Channel swim the previous week.
A beaming Vanessa proudly showing off her trophy
(photo: Lucy Harris)
Bobby displaying the medal in 2019
Arthur Hester was Bobby Baxter's great grandfather and won the Christmas morning race in 1889 at the age of 22. Prior to the involvement of James Barrie and the presentation of a Peter Pan cup in 1903, the winner of the Serpentine SC Christmas Morning Race was presented with a gold medal. The medal has been kept in the Baxter family as an heirloom. It was in 2007 that Bobby made contact with then club Secretary Alan Titmuss, and came along to the club one Saturday morning to show off the medal to members. Bobby joined the club in 2008 and became a regular racer for many years.
Arthur was a local lad from Fulham, whose family ran a tobacconist shop in Lille Road.
Prior to Sir James Barrie's involvement with the club in 1903, the winner of the Christmas Day race was always presented with a gold medal.
In 2009 Bobby celebrated the 120th anniversary of the Christmas morning victory of his great grandfather
He is somewhere on the board. (photo: Jeremy and Ingrid Hunter-Coddington)
I still can't spot him. Can you? (photo: Jeremy and Ingrid Hunter-Coddington)
A bit of sunshine prior to the race
But as the clock progressed, the clouds thickened.
(photo: Anthony Wood)
A beautiful cup and beautiful prizes from Bobby
In 2009 the then Hon. Secretary Alan Titmuss managed to find a slot in the fixture calendar for an Arthur Hester memorial race, in anticipation of the 120th anniversary of Arthur's Christmas victory. The cup we use for the race is one of the previous Daily Telegraph cups that were bequeathed back to the club, and was introduced in 2014. This particular Daily Telegraph cup was competed for over nine races across three seasons, 1940, 1941 and 1942 - three events each year: 110 yards, 220 yards and a 110 yards All Clothes Race.
Robin stood in for Rob Ouldcott to tell us all about Bobby Baxter, his time with the club, and his trips to Ukraine delivering clothing and provisions. He will be returning to Ukraine shortly.
Battle for places
Though Vanessa was a clear winner, there was quite a tussle between second, third and fourth. (photo: Anthony Wood)
James Lythe edged Brian Thomas to claim second place, with Chris Hatcher a close fourth. (photo: Anthony Wood)
Relaxing after the fray. (photo: Anthony Wood)
Gary Duffield may not have won a prize, but he was determined to make a quick dash for the shower and avoid the queue. (photo: Anthony Wood)
Proud first and fourth for the Ruislip duo.
What are Robin and Bobby are up to in the background? (photo: Lucy Harris)
James Lythe second. (photo: Mike Harris)
Roses for third placed Brian Thomas. (photo: Mike Harris)
A vintage Serpentine print for fourth place Chris Hatcher
Whilst in the background Bobby and Robin demonstrate their Serpentine version of the late 1990s Macarena dance craze.
Fifth place for Yvonne
No presentation photo, so here she is elegantly exiting the lake. (photo: Anthony Wood)
Wine for John Luckhurst
John was runner up in 2021 and 2022. He had to settle for sixth place in 2023 (hence the facial expression?) (photo: Mike Harris)
Members also had the chance to congratulate our vice-Captain Alan Luckhurst on his successful solo English Channel swim the previous week.
13 hours, 29 minutes.
Nick Adams presented Alan with his 21 July 2023 Channel track chart
Some young helpers assisted in displaying the precious memory.
The chart was signed by many friends, including Jesse Kelly. Katerina was mind-blowingly impressed by Alan's feat.
Alan still smiling eight days after the event
Watched on by proud Dad.
Start
Middle
End
And finally, many thanks to the lovely Linda Paxton for the lovely home made ginger cake
Delicious
(report compiled by Brian Thomas)