The Bernard Fettes cup will be presented by the Kelly brothers (Sean, Duff and Jesse) at the end of the series on Saturday 20December.
The series also acts as qualification for the Christmas Day race for the Peter Pan cup.
The 8 o'clock view from the bridge
(photo: Robert Fisher)
A Robin calls
(photo: Norman Jones)
Lined up and ready (photo: Norman Jones)
50m done. Time to take stock. (photo: Norman Jones)
Another heat about to start
(photo: Norman Jones)
Victory for Victoria Rock (photo: Norman Jones)
9 o'clock and the lake is back to calm and tranquility after the competitive mayhem
(photo: Robert Fisher)
The Winter Series spans many generations, stretching back to the early years of the club in the 19th century. Since the mid-1970s the series has been sponsored by the Kelly family. American artist Francis (Bob) Kelly joined the club in 1968. He served as club President from 1983 to 1986. Bob's sons Duff and Jess still swim, as does big brother Sean when up from his new home in Devon and grandson Cameron when back in town.
The Fettes cup has been presented at the end of the Winter Series since 1958, in memory of Bernard Fettes. Bernard Fettes was a WW1 veteran who became a dentist. It is recalled that he would arrive at the Serpentine in his pride and joy, a Jaguar motor car.
Bob and the boys, 1972. (L-R, Duff, Sean, Bob, Jesse)