Chard’s youngsters given a gala taste (From Bridport and Lyme Regis News)

Chard’s youngsters given a gala taste

1:22pm Tuesday 19th March 2013 in Sport

CHARD & District Swimming Club held its second Preliminaries Gala at the Flamingo Pool in Axminster.

The gala, mainly for the 10 and unders, is intended to give the club’s newest and youngest swimmers a taste of competitive swimming in a fun and friendly environment.

All of the races were over one length in each of the four strokes and more than 50 youngsters took part, supported by parents and friends watching from poolside.

Congratulations go to three swimmers – Harriet Copeman, Brianna Barrand and Louis Rood – who swam under 20 seconds for the first time in their 25m freestyle race and so achieved the club’s bronze speed badge for nine year-olds.

Time-keeping and marshalling was undertaken by several of the club’s older swimmers who have taken part, or are taking part in, the ASA South West Young Volunteer Programme.

Ben Fowler, Abi Dare, Jess Math-ieson, Tessa Down, Melissa Hanson, Lauren Real, Nathan Roberts and Jamie Pullinger, who tried his hand as a starter, were the members that helped out.

All those taking part received a club certificate confirming their times, which were presented at the end by club chairman Eric van den Barse-laar.

Certificates went to: Jess Fowler, Daisy and Jimmy Brett, Abigail Greenslade, Helen Underwood, Leo Bonning, Eden McDonald, Holly and Cole Dickinson, Jasmine Voysey, Oliver Bright, Michael Moulding, Nancy and Posy Doble, Jacob Hale, Abi Lawson, Megan and Abbie Herbert, Leonie Housham, Joss and Harriet Copeman, Mia and Esme Huntley, Natasha Dower, Jamie Porter, Freddie Coles, Ben and Catherine Webb, Brianna Barrand, Olivia Petrini, Jasmine McAuley, Imogen Waterhouse, Olivia Petrini, Molly Hunt, Freddie Loder, Millie Downs, Baylei Callow, Oliver Rodger, Abi and Jack Morgan, Daniel and Matthew Humphries, Molli Riley, Maisy Spong, Charlotte Young, Sarah Cawley, Caitlin Sloman, Tom and Flo McConnell, Chloe Wetherall, Daisy Russell, Niall Beauchamp and Louis Rood.

Chard & District are always looking for new members. Sessions are held at Axminster, Chard and Crewkerne, as well as long-course training at Millfield School.

If you would like to find out more or arrange a free trial visit the website chardswimming.org.uk