News

Bridge to Bridge 2026 Handicap List

14 Jul 2026

The start list for the race is published below. Only the pre-qualified swimmers named on the list will be allowed to race. 

As always, the race will start at 7.30 am sharp at the Café (posh) at the end of the Serpentine and finish at the other end of the Serpentine by the bridge. Thank you.

2026 Rosie George Mile and a Metre

27 Jun 2026

The Rosie George mile + 1 metre.  The 1 metre is in recognition of the fact that Rosie has also swum the more difficult France to England crossing (1967) as well as England to France (on 19 July 1961).  The one metre also affords Rosie bragging rights as sponsor of the club's longest race.

2026 Rosie George Mile and a Metre

2026 Peter Saunders race for the Jock Fee cup

20 Jun 2026

A race and cup celebrating Jock Fee and his work colleague and fellow club member Peter Saunders.  Jock was the third and last Serpentine Lido Superintendent.  The others being Sid Richardson and Ted Stoter, who was appointed when the Lansbury Lido opened in 1930.  The Lido Superintendent was a direct employee of the Royal Parks.  The post lapsed when operation of the Lido became a commercial franchise in1983.

Plus a first appearance lakeside for new boy Jasper.

2026 Peter Saunders race for the Jock Fee cup

2026 Sid Levy cup

13 Jun 2026

Sakura Adams and the nippers were on hand to present the Sid Levy cup to Esme Davey.  Her first silverware.  Proof that you don't need to be a speedster to grab the spoils.

2026 Sid Levy cup

2026 Club championship final race

06 Jun 2026

The five-race series commenced in February, with our championship contested through winter, spring and early summer.  The distances -  50m, 100m, 200m, 400m and 800m.  Or if you prefer 55 yards, 110 yards, 220 yards, 440 yards, 880 yards. 

2026 Club championship final race
2026 Bridgeman Team Race

2026 Bill Phipps cup

23 May 2026

A cup crafted out of a single ingot by silversmith Bill Phipps.  Saturday's race remembers one of the club's marvellous characters from the recent past.

To describe Bill as "interesting" is akin to describing the Tower of London as "nice" and the crown jewels "pretty".

2026 Bill Phipps cup

2026 Vets and Titmuss cups

16 May 2026

One morning, two races (for some).

Chris Hatcher had the privilege of winning the race honouring a Serpentine all time great.  A happy morning with fifteen Titmuss family members and friends joining us.

The main event was preceded by the Veterans' race for the Brew Brothers cup.  Ruta Skatikaite won her first ever silverware.

Chris Hatcher was a popular winner of the Alan Titmuss cup.  It was Alan who introduced Chris to the club in 1980 when they worked together at the Hillingdon Council architecture department.

As per previous years, we had a blue and white hooped theme from the many west and north west London club members who share Alan's affection for Queens Park Rangers Football Club.  Another happy connection -  Chris was instumental is Alan becoming a season ticket holder.

2026 Vets and Titmuss cups

2026 Ouldcott 400m for the Doug Smith cup

09 May 2026

The cup is swum in memory of a veteran of the Normandy landings, Doug Smith.  A leading figure at the South London Swimming Club who swam with the Serpentine Swimming Club from 1956 until his premature death in 1967.  During his time with us Doug strengthened the already close ties between the two clubs and contributed greatly to the 1964 club centenary book, "Breaking the Ice".

Prizes presented by Rob and Sarah Ouldcott, for one year only.  Holiday commitments meant a race day swap with usual Doug Smith cup sponsor Eric Carter.

In President Laure's absence past President Rob spoke about Doug Smith.  Dame Laura Lee spoke a lot about Sarah, and a little bit about Rob.

2026 Ouldcott 400m for the Doug Smith cup

2026 Ron Whittam

02 May 2026

Nancy Babarinde powered to victory to take Ron the Con Power cup. 

"Power Cup"?  So named in recognition of Ron's lifelong sport of power lifting.  Ron contunued to compete (and win) into his 80s.  Body building, wrestling and a bit of boxing were also extensively dabbled.

At the finish of the race the participants swam at "Ron speed" for a further 84 metres (or yards if you wish -  no one was checking) in recognition of Ron's 84 years when he died in March 2016.  This is a custom we have followed since the 2016 race, just two months after Ron's death.  What was a spontaneous suggestion by Kevin Blick is now a well established tradition.

2026 Ron Whittam