News

Past president Eric Carter presented a cup in memory of D-Day veteran Doug Smith.

The water is slowly warming up and was recorded as 12.8c, but with the air temperature at 10c it felt somewhat chilly.

It was "Star Wars Day" - May the Fourth (be with you), and Hon. Secretary Laure Latham dressed for the occassion.

Though Hyde Park was closed to vehicles, many still braved a very cold, wet "spring" morning.

Blue sky, but chilly water for saw Katie Irvine retain the Tony Cuthbert cup.  The air temperatute of 5c made the 11c water feel even colder on the skin.

A race remembering a great Serpentine character and author of the club anthem "In the Duck Poo".

New boy Jonny Edmondson took second place.

Sami Robertson 3rd

Alan Luckhurst 4th

Dani Lobo 5th

Deirdre Ward 6th

James Norton 7th

Many others achieved victory in the own personal battles "in the duck poo".

One of the handicapper's toughest tasks of the year saw a close finish with Robin home first, followed by Fran Lou and Peter Georgio.

A greatly appreciated large turnout from the Lacy family.

The race and cup honours Alan Lacy, last of the club's WW2 generation and Clary Reed, who virtually singlehandedly kept the club going during the war years.

The Percy Clears cup race fell foul of blue-green algae in August 2022 and again in September 2023.  Tweaks to the 2024 fixture calendar saw a new spring date for Clare Doyle's race.

Two 200m races again, with first home in the first race Aussie Natasha Wake receiving the silverware.

Saturday saw the 200m (220 yard) leg of the club championship series.  Two more to go, 400m and 800m (440 & 880 yds).

Katie Irvine took the honours.

With a blue sky and fluffy clouds it was almost as if spring had arrived, though with the water 9.7c and the air 10c it still felt a tad nippy.

We also had a delayed presentation of a cup for a club member who "unnoticed, goes above and beyond behind the scenes".  To be honest, the recipient's dress sense ensures they never, ever go unnoticed.

Norman Jones has confirmed that an additional order of the 160th Anniversary beanie hats has arrived.

Price £10, cash only, from Norman.  Saturday is the best day to catch him, though he may have some on a Wednesday for those that cannot get along to the lake at weekends.

Please do not ask for credit as a hard, threatening stare from Mrs L Jones will not soon be forgotten and may induce recurring nightmares.

Prizes were presented to the first three in each of the two races, with the Sgt Thomas cup being presented to the race winner who performed best against their repective handicap.

Cup and prizes presented by Tommy's nephew Brian Thomas, joined by many other family members

The Emmi Hunte series is raced between February and October over varying distances -  February 50m (55 yards), March 100m (110 yards), August 800m (880 yards) with the final 91m (100 yard) race held in late October.  Originally the Daily Telegraph series, this was re-dedicated to honour popular veteran Emmi Hunte in 2019.

Charlotte Hallward won the second of the two races and was deemed the morning's overall winner having performed best against her handicap.

This was the last 100m race until the autumn.  200m, handicapped, next Saturday.

Plus news of Team Serpentine's participation and medal winning ways at the International Winter Swimming Association World Championships held earlier this month in Tallinn, Estonia.

Saturday's race was over 100m (110 yards) for the Bill and Ron Maggs memorial cup.  This year the cup and prizes were presented by James Norton, Jon Benton having agreed to swap prize duty with James for the race last week.  Back to schedule in 2025?

Illyan Kovatchev claimed the cup.