Bognor swimmers make a splash of their 50th birthday

The meeting at Arun Leisure Centre was a fabulous success with many swimmers achieving personal-best times in many events.

Many children swam in their very first competition and the youngest participating was Emily Boon, just five. Swimmers aged five to 50 took part.

Several swimmers achieved county qualifying times: Grace Womersley in the 50m free; Abby Turner in 200 IM, 100m back, 100m fly and 400m free, and Katie White in the 100m free, 100m back, 100m breast and 100m fly.

Personal bests were accomplished by Alys Turner, Imogen Ede, Amber Macrae, Josh Hockey, Tom Hogg, Tina Turner, Adam White, Nathan Cowell, Chester Banton and Owen Cullen. Felix Boote-Cook achieved a PB in 200m IM despite a fractured shoulder.

It was great to see two coaches take part – Sue Eason, the development coach, and Tina Turner, who bravely swam in every event.

Every swimmer was presented with a golden-anniversary medal by the Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Bognor, which made it extra special.

Nigel Wood, president of Rotary Hotham, presented a £500 cheque for BRSC to host this year’s district scouts swimming gala in June following the success of last years event.

Several life members and ex-members of the club came to join in the celebrations and look through items from the archives that were on display.

Sarah Boote-Cook, who chairs the club, said: “It was a fantastic evening with so many achievements. BRSC swimmers are going from strength to strength and we as a club are extremely proud of them all.

“We will be maintaining a high profile during this our golden anniversary year. I would like to thank everyone for their ongoing support – particularly the coaches, parents and The Arena sports centre. We are looking forward now to another half-century of swimming in this town.”