Backstroke, breaststroke, front crawl. Always Dani Lobo's most difficult handicap task of the year.
Plus, some sad news with respect to club rock, Sir Anthony Cleaver. One time Hon. Treasurer and a club vice President. A true friend to those who swam and drank tea with him.
First place for William Lynam
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 and Himilce are away this weekend, so here they are twenty nine years ago
Justin Fahy first home in 1996 - a cup was not introduced for the race until the next decade. With the legendary Hon. Handicapper Frank Simms.
And a more recent photo - 2021
With then president, Alan Mitchell.
Race instructions and safety briefing from Rob Ouldcott
Strictly back, breast, then crawl. Omit the fly, unless you fancied an optional, unrewarded, fourth leg.
All ears
Dani Lobo was backed-up by Nichola Sanderson and Nick Hungerford for officiation duties.
Mike Barron and Thanos Papasavvas have both taken well earned holidays
The clipboard princess
Clock underway. (photo: Poppy Lund)
Getting busier (photo: Poppy Lund)
More on the board (photo: Vanessa Marshall)
Backstroke down; breaststroke back. (photo: Poppy Lund)
Breaststrokers were required to "spot and avoid" the backstrokers. (photo: Vanessa Marshall)
Last turn and onto front crawl (photo: Poppy Lund)
Keen spectators (photo: Poppy Lund)
Pushing for the line (photo: Vanessa Marshall)
A table of prizes, plus home-made goodies for all.
Announcements from President Laure
The Twenty Bridges round Manhattan medal
Aside from Laure, the other Serpies to complete this swim last month were Stuart Bowman, Alan Luckhurst, Sami Robertson and Colin Hill (still part of our extended Serpie family even though he has voluntarily exiled himself back up-north).
All ears in the posh seats
Step forward William Lynam, first home.
Surprised at second place, Charlotte Hallward.
Alan Luckhurst third. Note the proudly worn Twenty Bridges tee-shirt.
An additional backstroke prize for Adam Cranfield
Style, speed, improvement? Take your pick.
Backstroker Andrew Fuller won the 1990 Peter Pan cup
With then president Mike Olizar
And with Alan Titmuss
Andrew was also a very proficient distance runner and has completed many marathons
London Marathon, 1992. Completed by Andrew and three other Serpies.
It was with sadness that the club learnt on Saturday morning of the passing of Sir Anthony Cleaver. A moment of silence and contemplation was led by President Laure at the start of the presentations.
Anthony married Serpentine member Jenny Graham in 2000 and joined the club "on instruction" - he wasn't given a choice. He very quickly fell in love with our club and lake. Anthony was famous within the club for his exceptionally strong side stroke, much in the mould of Captain Matthew Webb, who in 1875 became the first person to successfully swim across the English Channel. This skill served him well on 21 September 2010 when he was part of the "Serpentine Veterans" Channel relay team. The other team members were Matthew Morony, David Mackertich, Geoff Ransom, George Gselko, Robin Hunter, and Alan Mitchell.
Anthony and Jenny took over sponsorship of the Bridge to Bridge in 2003
With Ian MacEachern, 2023 victor. (photo: Anthony Wood)
The club extend its sympathy and condolences to Jenny and the Cleaver family.
Athony was a truely valued member of the club and a lover of the lake.
(Report compiled by Brian Thomas. Images provided by Brian and the club's archives, unless credited to individuals)