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Before
the First World War, Clevedon Aquatic Sports was responsible for running
regattas off The Beach. Bathing had become fashionable since the development
of Clevedon’s long sea front and swimming races were accompanied
by plank and shovel competitions, pole walking and boxing matches!
Despite the popularity of such events, requests for a Marine Lake
were turned down until 1928.
On January 15th 1929, a meeting was held at the
Royal Pier and Rock House Hotel and Clevedon Amateur Swimming Club
was formed. Their brief was to “promote swimming, organise
galas and run the Long Swim”.
The lake meant that the Club could become affiliated to the ASA,
SASA and WCASA, bringing many of the West of England Championships
to the town. CASC’s first gala, held on July 20th 1929 attracted
a massive crowd.
A water polo team was formed, which lasted until the mid 50s. They
played local teams as well as Welsh opponents, brought across on
the Campbell steamer.
After the Second World War, the Club offered Royal
Life Saving Society badges and the Amateur Diving Association Diploma.
The ASA ran a twelve-month scheme called “Swimming for All”
in the 1970s. CASC was a seasonal club at the time, but managed
to top every Club in the country by teaching 300 adults and children
to swim!
Clevedon’s Swimming Club has a great sense
of team spirit and has enjoyed many successes, both as a team and
from its individuals. CASC has created Somerset and Western Counties
divers and Diving Champions, SASA Presidents and Committee Members,
Somerset and Western Counties swimmers and even National Qualifying
Time winning competitors. As a team, Clevedon competes in many galas,
leagues and series and has a long history of winning.
In the 1980s, the Swimming Club moved all but
its diving activities to Strode Road’s indoor pool, although
some still use the Marine Lake for training. The Club has a strong
and growing membership and after 75 years, is still run with the
same enthusiasm and achievements that have been its backbone since
1929.
Clevedon Amateur Swimming Club is a great Club with a strong history
and every hope for a very long and successful future.
Neil Carpenter
Men’s Club Captain
2004 - 2005
We hope to add to this overview of the club's
history over time possibly including features such as profiles of
club members past and present, club achievements and honours.
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