The year drew to a close as usual with the presentation evening on Friday 16th December, once again at the Conservative Club. Presentations were made for all the winners from the Club Championships in November and also the trophy winners of 200m and 400m Championship events held throughout the year. In addition several other awards were made.

The Girl’s and Boy’s Achievements shields were presented to Ellena Ibal and Matthew Bray. The Achievement Shield is awarded to swimmers whose achievements, generally, have not been recognised in other ways throughout the year, and is a sign of improvement in the pool and recognition of these efforts from the Club.

Club ‘Person of the Year’ was awarded to Sue Clinton for her continuing efforts on the poolside and behind the scenes with teaching, as well as her work with the local schools.

Four of our swimmers were presented with special award in recognition of their National representation of the club:

• Sophie Feboul, for qualifying and then competing in the National Age Group Championships at Ponds Forge, Sheffield, in August.
• Gary Carpenter, for competing in the National Age Group Open Water Championships in which he won the 1750m event.
• Neil Carpenter, for competing in the National Age Group Open Water Championships, in which he finished 4th for the 2km event. Neil also competed in the ASA National Masters Shortcourse Championships at Ponds Forge, Sheffield, in October.
• David Stewart, for competing in the ASA National Masters Shortcourse Championships at Ponds Forge, Sheffield, in October.

Gary Carpenter was also recognised for his efforts in reaching his fund raising target of £20,000 for his Channel Relay Swim during the summer, an incredible effort.

Outgoing Senior Club Captains, Neil Carpenter and Suzi Bowen, made presentations to Pete Bowen, Rachel Aldington and Chris Neal as a mark of appreciation for the work they have all put in with the squad this year.

The presentations were despatched well within an hour in time for the food to be served. Once cleared away, the disco fired up with a familiar looking face, going by the name of Vince Pies, spinning the tunes, and kept the dance floor moving, with 'shapes being thrown' until the end of the evening.

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