Hertford Swimming Club
Text Box: Hertford Swimming Club Occasional Newsletter, Spring 2010 It is some months since we last did a newsletter and much has happened. Firstly due to heroic efforts by our older swimmers, the Club managed to maintain Div 1 status in the Major League with a magnificent 3rd place finish in the Final Round. Given all the disruption we have experienced this year with both Hartham and Simon Balle being closed that was no mean achievement so well done everyone. Now it’s down to the younger members to do well in the Peanuts League which starts next month. We are very short of 9 year old girls so if anyone knows a likely candidate who might be interested in joining us, please speak to one of the coaches. Talking of coaches we are delighted to have 2 young enthusiastic coaches who have joined our team, Caroline Moore & Anthony Collier. They have both been members of the Club since they were very small and we are very pleased that they want to stay with us. Caroline has been coaching on Fridays and Anthony on Tuesdays (apart from a recent hiccup which has been filled by Caroline and Lee). We wish them well and hope they will stay with us. Congratulations also to Sheila Harding who has passed her L2 Teaching Aquatics and is now a fully qualified Swimming Teacher. We always need more teachers and coaches so if anyone is interested in doing a Teaching or Coaching Course please speak to John O’Brien or see the website. There is funding available to cover up to 75% of the fees. There are also a number of officials’ courses coming up for anyone who would like to become a timekeeper, judge or referee. Speak to Margaret Carrier if you are interested or check the website. We are delighted to have a new Chairman, John O’Brien. John kindly volunteered to take over from Margaret Carrier at our SGM last month. We would also like to thank Margaret for all her efforts over the past 3 years and hope she will remain on the Committee (we couldn’t do Swim 21 without her!). We have also lost our secretary. Sarah Burr has had to resign due to pressure of work and we presently have no one to take her place. There must be a mum or dad out there who can type (2 fingers is fine) send a few emails and take the minutes. The Club can not function without a Secretary so please don’t be shy – put your name forward. If you think you can help out please have a word with John. Our swimmers have done well at recent Open Meets with plenty of medals being won. At Watford, our swimmers won 14 Golds, 3 silvers, 6 bronzes and at Biggleswade 2 golds, 3 silvers 2 bronzes. The Valentine’s Meet at Hatfield produced RQT’s for Vicki Barker & Harriet Cook. This year’s Counties have just started and we are hoping for lots more good performances and RQT’s. We have been having a lot of difficulty trying to book our usual home galas but hopefully we will be able to announce the dates shortly. We are still hoping to run the Mercury Trophy Relay Gala in May and The Hartham Bowl in November. We have also been trying to book dates for Club Champs. We have now settled on Sunday 27th June, Sunday 4th July and SATURDAY 10th July (to avoid a clash with the World Cup Final which we hope might feature England!). Many thanks to those parents who are manning the “parent eyes” rota at Simon Balle on Tuesdays & Fridays. Don’t forget, if you can’t cover your slot, please try and swap with another parent. If you really are stuck speak to Paul Fitzsimmons. There have been a few issues at Simon Balle with unauthorised entry by local youths so it is important that we keep the outside door locked. We have also recently had a mobile phone go missing so please be careful with your valuables. If you must bring them with you we will try and provide a waterproof container on poolside where you can leave them while you swim. If any adults feel inspired to swim having watched their children, don’t forget we have an adult section who swim on a Thursday evening. Speak to Margaret if you would like to come along. We also have a water polo section who meet on a Wednesday at 9.00 (sorry, boys only over 16). Speak to Neil Cook if you are interested. This year’s AGM will be on Monday 7th June at 19.00 in St John’s Hall Hertford. We hope as many members as possible will come along (training cancelled that night). Remember that if you want to vote you must personally be a member (not just your child) and be over 16. Swimming dates over the upcoming holidays:- Last Swimming at Simon Balle is Tuesday 30th March. Swimming restarts hopefully on 20th April (may be reviewed due to potential pool repairs). No swimming at Haileybury on Sun 4th/Mon 5th April. Also no Haileybury Sun 18th April, Sun 2nd/Mon 3rd & Sun 30/Mon 31st May & Mon 7th June Swimming as normal at Hartham over Easter holidays. Please note we are intending to hold Time Trials for Whales Development & Junior Swimmers at Haileybury on Sunday 28th March from 5.15.to 6.15 (invitations to be issued). Age Group/Seniors will train from 6.15 to 7.15 for that week only. Finally don’t forget to check the club’s website for all the news. www.hertfordsc.co.uk Paula Moore For the Committee