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Both the Serpentine Running Club's and the Serpentine Swimming Club's top girl Ros Young provided the prizes for the first "scratch" race of the 2023 Club Championship.  The championship is decided by a series of five races during winter, spring and summer over varying distances as the water warms up.  This process identifies not just the fastest of the Serpentine swimmers but also a champion who competes in all weathers and temperatures.

Today was a Luckhurst brothers one and two -  young Will followed by not quite as young Alan.  Previous club champion Cameron Kelly came in a close third.

Sally Scott won what is possibly the world's wonkiest sporting trophy?  (Wonky in "shape" that is, not wonky in terms of sporting subterfuge).

A trophy in memory and resemblance of Mike Small - one arm, withered leg, and a wicked sense of humour. "A hindrance, not a disability".

Two and a bit races?  Two full races, then time made for starter Hunter-Coddington, and stragglers Bowman and Harris.

A hard slog for Katie, who started 1 minute and 49 seconds after the first swimmer.  Last week's ice had cleared, but the 100 yard (91m) distance was a chilly, stength sapping 4.8c.  The dozens and dozens of swimmers in front of her were also quite an obstalce.

Nicola first in the "points mean prizes" stakes to scoop the Bernard Fettes cup for the Winter series.  Ice meant no races today, but competitors still received 2 points for a shoulders submerged dip in the ice.

Hon. Handicapper Dani Lobo presented his annual "most competitive swimmer" (or should that read most combative swimmer?) award to Natasha Wake.

James Norton presented Michael Cullen (aka SpeedoMick) with a cup for "an unherralded behind the scenes contribution".  

The early rain clouds cleared to provide a beautiful sunny Sunday morning for the annual gala at Tooting Bec Lido.  Over thirty "Serpentinies" turned out to achieve a glorious second.  Team Serpentine was once again super efficiently marshalled and whipped into place by our club captain, Deirdre Ward.

This was the last chance to swim at the Bec before its' nine months closure for refurbishment.  Will many venture north of the river to continue their early morning fix before it reopens?

A dull morning, but lots of sunny and happy memories of Louis Schendler.  Prizes and trophy presented by daughter Bunny.

This was the last 100-yard race before the start of the 55 yards (50m) Winter Series sprints to be raced over the next eight Saturdays up to Christmas Eve.

(Plus a note from the Hon. Secretary regarding qualification for the Christmas Day race)

The Emmi Hunte series is raced between February and October over varying distances -  February 55 yards (50m), March 110 yards (100m), August 880 yards (800m) with the final 100 yard (90m) race held in late October.   The first race of the 2022 series fell victim to the aftermath of the previous day's "Storm Eunice" -  the park did not open until 09.30 to allow a clear-up of debris.   Brian Thomas won the cup based on aggregate performance over the three races.