Andrew Wilson took the honours.
Andrew Fuller quoted Shakespeare.
Our Hon. Handicapper's most difficult morning of the year.
The Andrew Fuller Individual Medley
Andrew Wilson, medley champion
On receiving the cup, Andrew took time to thank the club committee for their intensive work and dedication over the past weeks to keep the club functioning and ensure we retain our aquatic future. Sentiments much appreciated, and much replicated.
If proof is needed that gentle gentlemen exist even in this generation Andrew is that proof. Andrew joined the club in 1985. After a dozen years or so his civil servant job took him to Southampton which meant until retirement there were a few gaps in his regular appearances lakeside.
Mike Olizar commented that “Andrew is the Club's supreme exponent of the backstroke. He is the only person I know-of who diving off from the board facing the front can spin round mid-air to hit the water in the backstroke position.”
Aside from his proficiency at backstroke (he won the 1990 Peter Pan cup using his favoured stroke) Andrew has run a number of marathons: forward-facing not backwards!
Andrew took over the sponsorship of the club's Individual Medley in 1991 following the death of Louis Alt. Louis was famous for his head-stands and yoga poses, and also his proficiency with the Indian clubs. Andrew is not known for yoga nor the Indian clubs, but his well-researched post-race speech, always delivered without notes, is an annual “not to be missed” event.
Andrew's wife Himilce regularly accompanies him for the presentation, but was unable to join us this morning. Andrew conveyed her apolgies.
Back-stroker Andrew won the 1990 Peter Pan cup
Fuzzy finish, 1990
Not the best of shots, but at least Andrew's backstroking Peter Pan glory was captured for posterity
Mike Barron delivered the race briefing - strictly back, breast, then crawl. Omit the fly, unless you fancied an optional, unrewarded, fourth leg.
All eyes followed Mike's directions
Andrew joined Rob on the Jock Fee bench, and took control.
Andrew spoke of the history of the club and of how members originally gathered and changed under "the old elm tree", sited on the spot where we now hold our presentations and speeches.
The Old Elm Tree featured in these sketches published in the 1890s
Drawn by Phil May. The Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News (?)
Under the greenwood tree
Who loves to lie with me,
And turn his merry note
Unto the sweet bird's throat,
Come hither, come hither, come hither:
Here shall he see
No enemy
But winter and rough weather.
How very appropriate for us Serpentine Swimmers. The tree lasted until 1946, when age finally took its toll.
The runners-up took control of the substitute silverware
Second home John Luckhurst had the Medley Cup conveniently placed by his front door ready to bring down for the race. Bleary eyed, he walked straight past and left it. President Rob apologised profusely on behalf of John, expressing his own take on "understanding and sympathy". Alternative silverware was found, and a face was saved.
The cup went the rounds
Adam Cranfield 3rd
Jamal happy for his opportunity to briefly silver surf
Jamal Saad 4th
Sam focused on the prize, not the silver.
Sam Spiers 5th
Jesse Kelly was presented with the prize for the most stylish backstroke
Jesse had to be dragged away from his wardening duties. Another club hero. Have you signed up yet?
Andrew succeeded Louis Alt as sponsor of the Individual Medley race in 1991
Louis Alt, 1986. Like Peter Saunders, Louis was a great exponent of the Indian Clubs.
A cup for the race was not introduced until 2014
2014, first winner of Individual Medley silverware - a youthful Alan Luckhurst
In addition to excelling at backstroke in the Serpentine, Andrew has been quite successful in pounding the streets of London
London Marathon, 1992
Medals on parade
Andrew with fellow Serpentine Swimming Club London Marathon participants Cyril Wood and John Sextone, 1993
And finally
Matt and Poppy introduced the latest arrival into the Serpentine family - Freya Sophie Lund
(Report compiled by Brian Thomas. Images provided by Brian and the club's archives, unless credited to individuals)