News

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.

Our Christmas morning piper Lachlan McDonald made a summer appearance to serenade the field as they swam one metre past the standard finish point.

Serpentine swimmers head off to the Normandy beaches to raise money for a Royal Marine charity.

Six swimmer team on "West Winds" (the boat, not the weather forecast) 

Brian Thomas repeated his success of 27 years ago, and won the Jock Fee cup for a second time.

In 1997 the cup was presented by Peter Saunders.  2024 saw the silverware presented by George Cselko and all four of his girls.

Second home was Simone Piccoli, followed by Matt McKeown, John Craske and Boris Mavra.

Plus, photographer Anthony Wood captured our new club champion Katie Irvine trying her best to prove water really can be walked-on.

The final leg of the five race club championship series fell foul of the blue-green algae last Saturday.  To make amends on behalf of the club, the Adams family agreed that their normally handicapped race be a scratch affair.

In 1973 women were able to become associate members.  In 1985 women were able to join as full members.  Thirtynine years on, and we now have our very first woman club champion -  the unrelenting kenetic dynamo that is Katie Irvine.