4th September 2011
The race this
year was a nationwide team effort! The usual secretary, Stephen Smith,
began the organisation of the event from Essex but a couple of weeks before
the race he had to pull out. He rang me and I took over and continued with
the preparation from up here in North Lancashire, the helpers and officials
came from far and wide and the swimmers came from as far afield as Jersey!
It was a lovely day with bright blue sky all day, much to my relief. The previous
day had been the Windermere Championships and the rain had come down
like stair rods from dawn to dusk! The buzz around the officials who
were at Senior Coniston last year was that the weather gods thought
it was still Stephen's championship - whenever I hold the reins the
weather is foul!!
The young swimmers were magnificent! All 7 who entered the water finished the
race, even though the water was a bit on the chilly side and every
one of them emerged from the lake with a big smile. The winners were
gracious and modest and all of the swimmers were supportive
of other competitors, most waiting for others to finish before heading round
to the Bluebird Cafe for well earned nourishment (hot chocolate with the works,
I hope!). If you are a parent, coach or supporter you should be very proud
of them, they were a credit to you.
My very grateful thanks go to all who rallied round to make the day success
- all the rescue teams and land based crew - it was a bit of a scramble
at short notice but you pulled it off. Thank you.
Jean Wilkin-Oxley
