Charity Gala Success for Runnymede
Report on the Pat Carlane Trophy Gala 10th March 2007
Runnymede Swimming Club held their annual Pat Carlane Trophy Gala at Runnymede Pool, Thundersley. The gala is run to raise funds for Cancer Research and also provides a friendly and competitive atmosphere for young swimmers between 9 and 12 years old. An outstanding total of £ 580 was raised on the evening from donations, entry money and the raffle all of which goes directly to the charity. Runnymede Swimming Club would like to thank everyone who supported this event and in particular Castle Point Leisure, who kindly donated the use of the pool without charge for this Gala.
Clubs from Braintree & Bocking, Basildon, Killerwhales and Havering Aquatics joined Runnymede, and there were good performances from of the club's young teams throughout the gala. Runnymede’s outstanding younger squad swimmers swam brilliantly on the night to retain the trophy for another year.
Runnymede’s young team produced some outstanding swims with a massive tally of 31 1st places out of a possible 49 events. An impressive 20 individual wins for several of the team including Emily Muggleton, Murphy Talbot, Victoria Baynes, Zachary Beale, Molly Giles, Madi Townley, Bart Townley, Hannah Shean, Rory Geoghegan, Ellie Pirrie, Henry Newton, Ellie Townley, Megan Beard, Emma Hall, Sarah Ellis Jack Barker, Shannon Wennington.
This was followed by 10 1st places out of 17 relay team events, including boys 11 years (Lewis Kerr, Bart Townley, Sonny Canham and Rory Geoghegan); girls 11 years (Madi Townley, Emma Hall, Danielle Valsaycer and Shannon Wennington) Boys 10 years (Matthew Davis, Zachary Beale Zak Newton and Murphy Talbot); girls 10 years (Molly Giles, Emily Muggleton, Ellie Pirrie and Karis Ellerby; 12 Year boys (Matthew Monte, Daniel Nobes, Henry Newton and Thomas Giles).
Other Runnymede Team Members were Byron Wood, Melissa Knighton, William Clay, Bailey Burton, Ellie Honeysett, and Alice Cain.
Runnymede’s Club Secretary, Heather Davis said, “This years Gala was once again a great success, it was well supported by several local teams and the evenings swimming was enjoyed by all who took part either as a swimmer or spectator. There was a great atmosphere throughout the Gala at Runnymede Swimming Pool and to raise £ 580 for Cancer Research was a fantastic achievement. I would like to thank everyone who was involved with the organising and running of the Gala together with all those who took part in helping to make this event such a success.”
Runnymede is looking for 1998, 1999 and 2000 born swimmers of all abilities who would like to join their successful Swimming Club. Anyone interested in taking up this type of sport which is excellent for improving overall fitness levels should contact the Club Secretary Heather Davis on 01702 478380 to arrange an assessment by the coaching staff and free trial sessions. Runnymede Swimming Club has between 1 and 14 hours of fully coached sessions available to it’s member’s dependant on ability. The continued success and expansion of the club means that they are looking for qualified ASA level 3 Coaches or level 2 Teachers who are willing to work 6-8 hours per week at some of the clubs sessions. Those interested should also contact Heather to arrange an interview and discuss terms.
Runnymede Swimming Club is an Amateur Swimming Association Swim 21 and Essex County Council SportSX Accredited Club. More information on the club can be found at www.runnymede.co.uk