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Produce from the Garden of England (i.e. John's back yard) presented as prizes for the 800m (880 yard) race for the Andean Project cup.  Paul Atherton harvested his first Serpentine trophy and his share of the yummies.

This race is also the third of the four race Emmi Hunte series -  February 50m, March 100m, August 800, October 100m.

Meanwhile, the club vice Captain and the club Champion were on the other side of the world, swimming down south up in the Andes proper.

Andrew Wilson took the honours.

Andrew Fuller quoted Shakespeare.

Our Hon. Handicapper's most difficult morning of the year.

The event was introduced to the club fixture list in 1983 to develop relations between the Serpentine Swimming Club (established 1864) and the Serpentine Running Club (established 1982).

The team event for the Jan Farmer Shield was won by the swimmers.  The team prize of multiple packets of Jaffa Cakes was greatly appreciated by all-comers.

The competition for the "best transition" produced some interesting artistic interpretations -   beauty definitley is in the eye of the beholder.

The white buoyed constraints were off and we were back to our standard race course.  An event with a long name and a long history, recalling members that joined in the late 19th centrury, the early 20th century, the late 20th century and the early 21st century.

Saturday 20 July saw swimming restricted to the buoyed Lido area.  A mile race was a tad unmanageable, so we "treated" ourselves to a leisurely swim up and down the 100m length of the Lido.  Some "upped and downed" a bit more than others.

So as not to deprive anyone of the weekly fix of Serpentine SC history, a link to the 2021 race report and background is provided.

A big turnout for the club's summer Blue Ribbon event as 59 club members swam the length of the lake for the Dave Milnes cup, presented by Sir Anthony and Jenny Cleaver.

Congratulations to a very happy Jamie Giles on his first Serpentine silverware success.

A morning to rival the very wettest as a very proud Sophia Holder held on to her lead to claim the spoils.

We swam an 800m race in memory of a real gentleman and true friend to many longer-term members.  The race prizes were provided by Jon and Laura Tomlinson, whose friendship "blossomed" at the club in 2005 during Roy's presidency and retain a close affection for President Wrey.

Family commitments meant club member Bobby Baxter could not join us for the annual race in memory of his 1889 Christmas Day winning great grandfather.  Arthur Hester was a key club member in the late 19th century, serving on the committee from 1890 to 1902.  President Rob stepped in with some travel themed literatry prizes.

We also had the chance to congratulate the Serpentine relay team who successfully pioneered a new English Channel route, swimming to Normandy earlier in the week.  A "dash" of 39 hours 28 minutes.