The Kelly clan were out in force to watch Natasha Wake win the Bob Kelly winter series to take home the historic and magnificent Bernard Fettes cup.
It felt relatively mild ... 7.7c in the water, 4c out.
Victorious Natasher
With Bob's grandson Cameron and sons Duff and Jesse Kelly plus President Laure Latham. Eldest son Sean sent his best wishes from Devon (photo: Norman Jones)
A handsome cup and an abundance of thoughtful prizes
Others up there in the mix "trailing in the Wake":
2nd Norman Jones
3rd Samorn Chimkeaw
4th Chris Hatcher
5th Jamal Saad
6th Rachel Bayley
(photo: Jesse Kelly)
President Laure spoke of the origins of the Bernard Fettes cup and of the contribution to the club of Bob Kelly and his boys
The bench mob were all ears (photo: Norman Jones)
Second place for Norman Jones
The Winter series of the Serpentine Swimming Club spans many generations and harks back to the early years of the club in the 19th century. This particular cup has been awarded at the end of the Winter Competition since 1957, presented by Bernard Fettes. Since the mid-1970s the series has been sponsored by the Kelly family. American artist Francis (Bob) Kelly was club President 1983 to 1986.
It was under Bob's presidency that women were able to join the club as full members, having been granted associate membership status in 1973.
Francis (Bob) Kelly (1925 - 2012). A Bayswater based American artist and art restorer with a world-wide reputation
Bob became an avid collector of antique bottles .... from the mud of the Serpentine lake's floor
1977, Jesse (10) and Duff (12) help Bob with his bottles. Jesse and Duff were on hand this morning to present the cup and prizes.
For much more information and history on the Kellys and the Serpentine's winter competition please follow this link to "the race we missed" report from December 2020.
https://serpentineswimmingclub.com/news/51075/2020-winter-series
Bernard Fettes swam with the club for many decades, from the inter war years up to the mid 1960s. Our dear friend Alan Lacy recalled that Bernard, a dentist, was an established member when he joined in 1948 and that Bernard would arrive at the Serpentine in his pride and joy: his Jaguar motor car. Research by Mike Harris showed Bernard Fettes to have served in the Army's Machine Gun Corps during WW1.
Bernard was with the club for the centenary celebrations
The club, 1963. Bernard is standing, 6th from left. You may not have met them in person, but there are some famous Serpentine names that you may recognise from club cups and presidential speeches
Bernard standing next to bearded Frank Simms, overlooked by Roy Wrey and Sid Richardson
The series was raced over eight Saturdays, commencing 1 November.
Sun rising and shining on the righteous
(photo: Rob Fisher)
(photo: Rob Fisher)
The sun was up for the later races, proving some beautiful light (phone: Jesse Kelly)
A second cup was awarded - the Hon. Handicapper's cup for the most competitive swimmer of 2025
Thanos did the honours on behalf of the Hon. Handicapper
Plot spoiler - it wasn't Mr Luckhurst
The winner - Deirdre Ward
Husband Mike Barron accepted the cup on behalf of Deirdre who was busy elsewhere bringing home the bacon: she was at work. (Photo: James Norton)
The pre-race early morning view from the bridge (photo: Rob Fisher)
(Report compiled by Brian Thomas. Images provided by Brian and the club's archives, unless credited to individuals)