Gala report

In 2016 we fielded two teams in the Herts Major Gala's, there were strong swims across all the age groups in both the A and B teams. The early start to the season and a long break between Rounds 1 and 2 as a result of the Counties events being moved forward in the timetable meant that the teams were able to gather momentum and the A team won the final gala, which positioned them well in Division 2. The B team, which was often stretched with many swimmers in several races had lots of extremely close finishes in nearly every race and the team spirit was amazing. Overall across the two teams there was a fantastic 130 PB's and 47 ASA speed badge awards.

The Peanuts Team was equally exciting, the league starts in the spring months and is for younger swimmers (under 13 year olds), it is a great opportunity to introduce the swimmers to Galas within a friendly atmosphere. The team had been promoted the previous year to Division 1 which meant the races were going to be very competitive as the single year age band means each year the teams are very different. Across the 3 galas there were 71 PB's and 22 ASA speed badge awards. The team spirit was extremely strong and many new friendships were made. Well done to the team of 2016!

This season the league have asked Bushey ASC to host many of the galas, this means supplying extra officials, completing all the paperwork, organising the raffles, taking entrance fees, plus running the event on the night - literally the league hire the pool and the rest is done by the hosting team, all of whom are volunteers - a big thank-you to Caroline Presland for organising it all on our behalf.

Thank-you to the swimmers who were so well behaved at all the galas and to the whips for their hard work poolside.

Clare Marett

Team Manager Herts Major and Peanuts teams 2016

Goldstone and Isobel Gala’s

We also participate in two friendly galas each year which are Goldstone and Isabel. The Goldstone gala was held in May where we ended up 7th on the night. The Isabel gala in September we finished in 3rd place. Both galas were great fun and allowed for swimmers who were not selected for Herts and Arena league to compete for Bushey.

Arena League

Our final league of the year is the Arena League. This is a lot tougher league due to our London club competitors however we performed very well this year. Club records were broken every round and the PB rates were very high which was great as this league is a licensed competition meaning times counted towards County & Regional championships. We came 7th in Round 1, 5th in Round 2 & 2nd in Round 3. Across all three rounds there were 9 club records broken and 67 PB’s.

Each gala we give out swimmer of the night awards for various reasons. Big well done to the following that were given swimmer of the night this year:

Herts Major League

Thomas Jobson & Taryn Fraser (Round 1)

Ben Phillips & George Rice (Round 2)

Jan Salcedo & Daniel Westlake (Round 3)

Peanuts League

Laura Wolstenholme (Round 1)

Alex Twyford (Round 2)

William Presland (Round 3)

Goldstone Gala

Morgan Springer

Isabel Gala

Alex Morgan

Arena League

Jessica Presland (Round 1)

Darcie Hambury (Round 2)

Jack Fagan (Round 3).

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the coaches and team managers for putting so much work into selecting the teams. Without you all we wouldn't be able to give our swimmers the chance to compete as part of a team at these galas.

Jack Jackson – Arena League Team Manager

2016 AGM Reports and Annual Achievement Awards

Gala Report