Holiday commitments meant a prize giving swap for Rob Ouldcott and Eric Carter.
Jess Kelly, today's 400m champion
Jesse was first home, followed by Luka Melon, Toby Crooks, Katie Irving, Alan Luckhurst and Rob Ouldcott (photo: Norman Jones)
Eric has for many decades presented prizes for the Doug Smith cup. Eric will be away for this year's race on 9th May, so Rob Ouldcott kindly agreed to a switch of race sponsorship for 2026. Back to normal in 2027?
President Laure spoke warmly of past president Eric
Eric joined the club in 1993 and immediately started training for a Channel relay with fellow Serpies Rosie George, Justin Fahy, Paul Hughes, Jeremy Hunter and Norman Jones. Sadly the sea conditions, though calm at the start, turned very rough which meant the attempt was cut short 8 miles off Cap Gris Nez.
Undeterred, thirteen months later Eric was part of a Serpentine relay team who made a successful crossing in a very impressive time of 10 hours and 20 minutes.
Successful crossing, 29 September 1994
A very impressive time of 10 hours and 20 minutes. Some fine swimmers in the team - Eric, plus Nick Adams, Rosie George (coach), Paul Hughes, Gordon Brodie (aka Williams) and Anthony Howland. Plus Lee Williams, not in photo.
In 1996 Eric won the Winter Competition for the Fettes cup followed four days later by the Christmas Day race for the Peter Pan cup. A rare "December Double".
Final Saturday of the Winter Series for the Bernard Fettes cup, 1996
.Bill Phipps, Cyril Wood, Bob Kelly, Norman Jones, Eric Carter, Frank Simms
Four days later Eric became the 1996 Peter Pan
Eric has run over twenty marathons, on many occasions accompanying fellow Serpies such as Alan Lacy, Cyril Wood, Gordon Brodie and John Sextone.
Eric was elected club President in 2007. Due to the unfortunate passing of Alan Titmuss near the end of Eric's three-year term the club invited him to stay in post for a further year, taking advantage of his strong and ever-present leadership qualities. The requirements of the ongoing management and administration tasks at this difficult time for the club's organisation mean the club AGM of 2011 asked Eric to see through to the end a second three-year term.
2010 - a Christmas speech, but no Christmas race
Ice prevented us racing in 2010 (the first and last time since 1981) but that did not prevent Eric from addressing the crowd.
No race, but Eric managed to find a gap in the ice for a quick pre-speech dip.
Lined up, ready for the starter's call
(photo: Vanessa Marshall)
Jesse Kelly used his experience to claim the optimum spot for a quick dive on the G of go. Others went on the O. Many hung around for a few seconds to let the water clear. (photo: Vanessa Marshall)
Some held slightly back (photo: Anthony Wood)
Frantic cannot be avoided (photo: Anthony Wood)
Busy water (photo: Anthony Wood)
Jesse stretching for home
(photo: Vanessa Marshall)
Counting them in (photo: Anthony Wood)
Time to take in the sun and compare notes (photo: Anthony Wood)
Emerging champion? Now all eyes on the 800m in June. (photo: Anthony Wood)
Eric presented prizes to the first two men and first two women home
Jesse Kelly, today's champ
Katie Irvine, our 2024 club champion (photo: Norman Jones)
Second gent, Luca Melon
Second lady, Kazia Studd (photo: Norman Jones)
Persie had a birthday.
(photo: Norman Jones)
We had cake.
(photo: Norman Jones)
When not at the Serpentine Eric can be found at his fruit and veg stall, Queensway. Every day bar Wednesday and Sunday.
Birthday boy, 2020 (photo: Anna Bardos)
(Report compiled by Brian Thomas. Images provided by Brian and the club's archives, unless credited to individuals)