On Wednesday 28 August Stuart Bowman had the pleasure of crossing the English Channel for the seventh time. On Saturday 31 August Stuart had the honour of becoming a Serpentine sponsor for the first time.
Sam Speirs successfully nabbed the silverware. Post race, a few others took to their mobile devices and joined the Oasis virtual queue.
A cup celebrating Maurice Ferris
A young speedster who first graced the Serpentine 98 years ago and went on to serve as a popular club President 1968 - 71
Silverware for a smiling Sam Speirs
From 2024 the race is sponsored by the Bowman family, who have become very much a big part of the Serpentine family
Past president Robin Hunter stood in for President Rob Ouldcott who was away on his travels
Apparently President Rob had a long list of tall stories, leg pulls and suitable insults prepared for the morning's speech. His absence at short notice meant we were able to happily hear Robin's words of praise and admiration.
Stuart expressed his own admiration of the club and the Serpentine family
Richard Maurice Ferris joined the club in 1926. He won the 1938 Christmas Day race and the 1966 Bridge to Bridge. Maurice was club President 1968-71.
He was always affectionately known as being part of the "Harrow Mob", along with Alan Titmuss, Teddy Bennion, Arthur Goffrey, and Jack Baker (Alan Titmuss’s uncle).
Before retirement Maurice worked at the Heinz factory in Harlesden and provided a plentiful supply of "unwanted" dented tins of food to Alan Titmuss. Alan always joked that though this was greatly appreciated, the tins did not have any labels. He and Paulette would never know whether they were opening baked beans, pilchards, peaches or treacle pudding!
Maurice joined in 1926 and was recognised as one of the fastest in the club.
1931, Ferris first left.
1968, President Maurice (far right) with club luminaries Bill Reed, Tommy Carmody, Sam Youlton, Sid Richardson, Arthur Goffrey and Sid Levy
Robin and Thanos oversaw race arrangements
Whilst Tim Outen and Jan Farmer enter the water to join the fray
Back markers get ready
(photo: Stu Bowman)
(photo: Stu Bowman)
Katie Irvine last off, as much of he field approach the half way mark
(photo: Stu Bowman)
(photo: Stu Bowman)
"Did I win?"
Mike Olizar handed over sponsorship of the Ferris cup this year
By a quirk of fate, the 2023 victor became the 2024 sponsor
2023 Maurice Ferris cup, presented by Sally and Mike Olizar (photo: Norman Jones)
For background on Mike's time as sponsor and his history with the club please follow this link to the "race we missed" report from 1 May 2021. The spring event is now a last Saturday of summer celebration.
Sam Speirs first
Andrew Wilson second
A prize for Mia
Lizzy Cecil came in third, but as she had left before the presentation Mia Ryan took the booty
The Oasis queue
Whilst the presentation was getting underway Andrew had one eye glued to his laptop screen, and another to his smart phone. A Saturday to remember?
Stuart prepared for the anticipated perils of Saturday's prize giving with a Wednesday swim to France in 12 hours 54 minutes.
His seventh successful crossing.
Previous successful solo swims:
9 August 2023: 13 hours and 25 minutes
24 August 2022: 16 hours and 10 minutes
20 July 2021: 15 hours and 30 minutes
14 August 2020: 11 hours and 58 minutes
03 August 2018: 17 hours and 28 minutes
05 August 2014: 15 hours and 24 minutes
Last minute preparations for the 05.29 start
Words of wisdom from Boris (photo: Stuart's support crew)
Into the shallows for the final push (photo: Stuart's support crew)
Support crew member Boris Mavra joined him on the rocky French coast (photo: Stuart's support crew)
Swim complete, time to head off into the sunset
(photo: Stuart's support crew)
(Report compiled by Brian Thomas. Images provided by Brian and the club's archives, unless credited to individuals)