A fixture on our race card since 1931.
The winning team
Chris Hatcher, Alan Luckhurst, Nick Adams and Vanessa Marshall. Plus Dinknesh Gobena and President Laure. Dinknesh was the long term friend and carer for Paul's son Gerald and his wife Rosie. (photo: Norman Jones)
President Laure spoke of the long history of the Bridgeman team race, dating back to 1931.
(photo: Norman Jones)
In October 1930 club member Paul Bridgeman sadly died following an accident whilst chopping down a tree. The injury resulted in septicemia from which Paul did not recover. He was 42.
In Paul's memory and in recognition of his love for our lake, the family sponsored the first Bridgeman Team Race event the following year. It has appeared on the fixture list ever since.
The Times, 30 October 1930
1928, receiving the Colin Cooper cup from long term stalwart Alfred Rowley.
In 1903, in his early teens, Paul Bridgeman joined the Royal Navy as a cadet on the training ship HMS Brittania and went on to serve throughout WW1. At the Battle of Jutland, Commander Bridgeman was signals officer to Admiral Sir Cecil Burney on HMS Marlborough. Though playing a significant part in the battle and the sinking of the German light cruiser SMS Wiesbaden, the Marlborough was badly damaged by a torpedo from the Wiesbaden itself. The Marlborough had to retire damaged from the battle, but Paul and the Admiral transfered by launch to HMS Revenge to see out the conflict.
1931, the first Paul Bridgeman Team Race
Our historic club table, still in use today.
A young Gerald Bridgeman, Paul's son, presented the trophies whilst standing on the table we still use today for prizegiving; circa 1935.
"Gerald was a scion of a younger line of the Earls Of Bradford (Shropshire not Yorkshire), Bridgeman being the family name. The present earl is the seventh and his son the future earl came down to the Serps several years ago to watch the event.
"A true aristocrat Gerald was untroubled by convention. He was the 1960s hippy adorned with chains and necklaces. Do not forget Rosie his companion who for many years came to the lake on their annual remembrance of Gerald's father. In later years Dinknash their live-in companion and carer also came to watch the event.
"Gerald and Rosie were always bemused by the relay race. Teams were formed; heats were held; handicappers in the 'old days' would rack their brains with pencil stubbs (bring back Frank Simms!) at the ready trying to form teams and work timings out."
2009
After the end of the war Paul Bridgeman commenced medical studies at St Thomas' hospital. Marriage meant he did not complete his studies and he went into banking, though he did serve on the board of St. Bartholomew's hospital.
There is an oft told Serpentine story of how, when a medical student, Paul one early morning found a dead body in the Serpentine (reportedly a Chinese seaman) under the ice off the end of the diving board. With the help of fellow club members the body of the unfortunate man was recovered.
Realising he had a rare find for use in his studies, Paul, again with club members assisting, put the cadaver on his push bike and set off across the park for the hospital. To no suprise, he was stopped on his way by a passing policeman. What happened next is not 100% clear, but Paul's son Gerald confirmed the basis of the story to be true. It has been told and retold every year at the Serpentine for approaching 100 years. You can imagine the scene on that cold, foggy old London town morning -
"Hello, hello, hello, what have we got here then?"
"A dead gentleman".
"Where are you taking him?"
"St Thomas's hospital. I am a medical student and the body will go to good use".
"Oh well, on your way then. And don't get up to any mischief".
Photos of Paul Bridgeman, courtesy of Dinknesh.
Cat herding duties for Thanos
First heat away
4 x 50m
50m (55 yards) down the Lido swimming area team members gathered for the 2nd and 4th legs
Standing start
Locals nonchalant
(Report compiled by Brian Thomas. Images provided by Brian and the club's archives, unless credited to individuals)