One of the handicapper's toughest tasks of the year saw a close finish with Robin home first, followed by Fran Lou and Peter Georgio.
A greatly appreciated large turnout from the Lacy family.
The race and cup honours Alan Lacy, last of the club's WW2 generation and Clary Reed, who virtually singlehandedly kept the club going during the war years.
Rob Ouldcott told of the huge contribution to the club made by Alan Lacy and Clary Reed
(photo: Mike Harrris)
Alan Lacy sponsored a spring race over 220 yards for the best part of 60 years. Originally a freestyle event the opportunity to change this to a breaststroke race arose in 1982. Alan grabbed this with both hands as it meant he would not have to race the stroke he found unfathomable. Another fixture card juggle in 2001 meant the Clary Reed cup was happily allocated to Alan's race. Alan had a very close connection with Clary, who invited him to join the club in 1948. Clary was revered within the club as the man who ensured the club's continuing survival during the difficult days of WW2 when many members were away on active and national service.
Alan was very keen that Clary's memory and the debt owed him by the club would never be forgotten.
Clary joined the club in 1910
1912, Clary Reed front row 3rd from the right
Alan Lacy was invited by Clary Reed to join the club in 1948
Alan, 1941
In 1941 aged 17, Alan lied about his age and volunteered for the RAF. As a pilot in a Costal Command Sunderland flying boat Alan was involved in the sinking of two U-boats during patrols over the Bay of Biscay.
Earlier in the war Alan became a reluctant member of the "Caterpillar Club", having had to bale out of a stricken Wellington bomber.
Alan was active on the club committee for many decades and served two terms as club President, 1974-1977 and 1999 - 2001.
Robin, first to touch
(photo: Nick Hungerford)
Cup winner Robin with the Lacys
President Rob invited past president Robin to say a few words
The opportunity was not declined ... more than "a few" were said, illustrated by interesting hand gestures
Alan's daughter Susan thanked the club for the memories of her father
(photo: Norman Jones)
Alan was an enthusiastic all-round sportsman. Aside from swimming he also played rugby, ice hockey "and even went through a wrestling phase; the only thing lacking was cricket in which he had no interest!". Alan also taught himself to sail, but only after having built a boat in the back garden. In later years Alan turned to running, completing the London marathon in 1990 (aged 66) and went on to run also at least two Seven Sisters marathons (Beachy Head) in the company of Cyril Wood and John Sextone amongst other Serpies.
1990, Alan completed the London marathon aged 66
Follow this link to the 2021 "Race We Missed Report" for much background on Alan and Clary. There is a lot there.
Awaiting the start and listening to instructions from Mike and Thanos
"swim clockwise, round only one buoy (you choose) not both"
Early markers ready
(photo: Nick Hungerford)
Robin purposely stroking for home
(photo: Nick Hungerford)
First to touch (photo: Nick Hungerford)
Did I win? (photo: Nick Hungerford)
I need time to take a breath (photo: Nick Hungerford)
And time to chat with second and third (photo: Nick Hungerford)
Bernard Alan Lacy, 9 July 1923 - 16 March 2020
1982
(Report compiled by Brian Thomas. Images provided by Brian, unless credited to individuals)