Prizes were presented to the first three in each of the two races, with the Sgt Thomas cup being presented to the race winner who performed best against their repective handicap.
Cup and prizes presented by Tommy's nephew Brian Thomas, joined by many other family members
(photo: Anthony Wood)
Some interesting facial expressions on show
In addition to the cup, Brian presented Paul with a jar of honey from wife Odette's very own hives (photo: Norman Jones)
The Sgt. Thomas memorial cup was first presented in April 1942, 82 years ago. Fourteen-year-old schoolboy Tommy Thomas joined the club in 1936. Early in WW2 he signed-up with the RAF. Sadly, he was tragically killed on active service in 1941, aged 19. The cup also remembers Ted Thomas, Tommy's brother. Though not a racer, Ted was a long term member and supporter of the club.
Tommy's nephew Brian Thomas joined the club at Easter 1967, aged 11.
In April 2021, whilst our races were till suspended due to Covid 19, some reminiscences across the decades and the 80+ years of the Sgt Thomas cup were shared by Brian. Follow this link for some facinating history -
Sgt Thomas Wade Thomas (Tommy) 7 April 1922 - 13 November 1941
Laure led the mornings' presentation and speeches
Many of the wider Thomas family were in attendance (photo: Anthony Wood)
Laure Latham stood in for President Rob Ouldcott, who was away having fun, unceremoniously tumbling down French alps at great speed.
Prizes were presented to the first three in each of the two races, with the Sgt Thomas cup being presented to the race winner who performed best against their repective handicap.
(photo: Anthony Wood)
Brian presented the cup (and honey) to Paul Daniels
(photo: Anthony Wood)
Second place in the first race claimed by Norman Jones (photo: Anthony Wood)
Third place for Kiwi Dave McGregor (photo: Anthony Wood)
Winner of the second race, Lucy Ashdown-Parks
(photo: Anthony Wood)
Second place Katie Irvine was still ploughing up and down the lake whilst the speeches and presentation were underway.
... so here is a photo of the back of her head. Having finished 2nd, Katie watched the competitive bumping and boring battle for the prize-less honour of 8th place
Third place for Alan Luckhurst (photo: Norman Jones)
Race one about to commence
... and choice of footwear is a hot topic (photo: Brian Thomas)
First race underway with an elegant dive from octogenarian Yvonne Van der Huel (photo: Anthony Wood)
A beautiful but chilly spring morning
Brian the snapper (photo: Anthony Wood)
Chris Hatcher and Alan Mitchell about to hit the water
A busy turn at the 100m mark (photo: Anthony Wood)
Paul Daniels arrived first
A close battle for second, third and fourth
Norman, arms raised, awarded second place
Competitors for race two awaiting the call from Thanos
Race number two underway
Two graceful spectators observed proceedings.
Final push from Lucy
Naughty step for John
John Tierney arrived in second place, but was disqualified for not going around both orange buoys at the 100m turn.
A prize curiosity shared
Brian brought along a Coronet camera won by his Uncle Tommy in a pre WW2 club race (photo: Anthony Wood)
(photo: Anthony Wood)
Fascination
Sally Stott and Norman (photo: Anthony Wood)
Keen eye behind the shutter (photo: Anthony Wood)
Thomas Wade Thomas (Tommy) joined the club in 1936, aged 14. Just five years later (on 13 September 1941) he died when his Blenheim bomber crashed on take-off from RAF Watton, Norfolk. All four crew on board were killed plus one airman on the ground. Tommy was a wireless operator/air gunner and is buried in Willesden New Cemetery. In those early years of the war the RAF incurred almost as many casualties in air accidents as in action.
At the time of the crash Tommy’s father was serving in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, his sister in the Womens Auxiliary Air Force, and his brother Ted in the Middlesex Regiment. The following Easter, 1942, the cup was donated to the club to be raced for annually.
Easter 1943, the second Sgt Thomas race. Harry Gualdi first home. Tommy's father James was on leave and presented the cup.
Ted Thomas (1919 - 1984) was in the Middlesex Regiment when younger brother Tommy was killed.
Though not a racer, Ted was very active at Serps and often took cine footage of the club's races in the 1970s and 80s. Ted passed away in 1984 aged 64 and is also remembered by the race, with his name added to the cup.
Easter 1957, an early visit to the Serpentine for Brian
Brian, Tommy's nephew, joined the club in April 1967, aged 11. Brian was club President from 2001 to 2004, and Club Secretary from 2009 to 2017. Brian also worked as a lifeguard at the Serpentine Lido in the 1980 and 1981 summer seasons.
In celebration of the return to their spiritual home, South London Swimming Club hosted the Heron Cup gala at Tooting Bec.
For the first since the competition's inception (2011) we came first and took home the cup.
The Heron Cup
(photo: Anthony Wood)
Team Serpentine, 17 March 2024 (photo: Laure Latham)
(Report compiled by Brian Thomas. Images provided by Brian, unless credited to individuals)