News

Professor Stanley Ulijaszek won the ‘Andrew and the Two Ronnies Cup’ swam over 220 yards of the Serpentine on Saturday 10 October 2025

The second set of starters scooped the spoils over the two 200m races down to the end and back.  Final score:

First Race 0 - 3 Second Race.

Two 200m races this moring.  Andrew Fuller was the benificiary of Boyce's beautiful benevolence, performing best against his handicap.  Paddy Boyce provided lots more prizes, awarded in a "planned random" manner.  Big happy smiles all round.

The race celebrated a past president and handicapper Cyril Wood and the ever present Yvonne. Joining us in 1980 they both contributed much to the club and continued our strong relationship with Tooting Bec's South London Swimming Club.

Fresh from "cold water" training down-under, Nick Hungerford celebrated his return to the world-wide headquarters of the Serpentine Swimming Club by clinching the Mario McClarnon cup.

A big turnout from the McClarnon family saw Mario's daughter present truely wonderful prizes to not just the first few home but also to randomly chosen "worthy-recipients".  A really "Mario inspired" morning -  he probably would have presented the cup to the slowest possible finisher!

There was a massive participation of 67 swimmers taking part in the race.  Fifty with a handicap plus seventeen "eager" (?) to join our Saturday morning community.  Perhaps the numbers were boosted by the 160th annniversary photo shoot at 9 o'clock?   Or maybe they knew it was Robin's birthday and cake would be on offer?  Whatever the reason, it was lovely to see you.

The 100m Cygnets' race for the under 18s acted as the curtain raiser for the "third blue ribbon event" of the year.

Will Schuberth was once again Cygnet champion.  Charlie Frith captured John Sextone's "Sexy's cup".

Participants in the Swim Serpentine event taking place on the north shore of the lake looked on with puzzlement.

Dusty Rhodes was one of the club's many "characters" that have adorned our ranks over the decades.  WW2 submariner, Brentford docks stevedore and penny farthing rider.  He also found time to enter Masters' swimming events.

Tony and Jane Schiemann have sponsored the race since 2018, when the trophy was reintroduced into the fixture calendar after a 26 year absence.

On Wednesday 28 August Stuart Bowman had the pleasure of crossing the English Channel for the seventh time.  On Saturday 31 August Stuart had the honour of becoming a Serpentine sponsor for the first time.

Sam Speirs successfully nabbed the silverware.  Post race, a few others took to their mobile devices and joined the Oasis virtual queue.

Congratulations to Stu Bowman, who successfully swam the English Channel solo for the seventh time. 

Setting off at 05:29 this morning from Samphire Hoe, and piloted for the seventh time by Paul Foreman, Stu reached Cap Gris Nez France in 12 hours and 54 minutes. 

Stu's boat support crew included Danny Mavra, and his Dad Boris, as well as Nick Adams. Sandwiches lovingly prepared by Debs Bowman. Other dryland support from Sami Robertson, Sakura Adams, Laurence Plant and Vanesa Mavra. 

Official observer was Tony Ball, with Ben working as a trainee observer.

George Brutton, a club regular from the 80s and 90s, was on hand to present race prizes for the cup with two names.  George and Annette were joined by their extended family, who braved the morning's constant drizzle.

An Aussie first and fourth.  Second place for a Pom.  A Taff third.

A massive cheer was raised for Nancy, who was presented with a prize for completing her first ever half mile race.