Louth ‘Dolphins’ Swimming Club 37th Annual Club Championship Presentation Event

Louth Swimming Club recently held their 37th Annual Club Championships presentation at London Road Sports Pavilion, and what a night it was this year featuring a red carpet and personalised music for each winner, a great idea from Di Adams, and enjoyed by all. The events were held late in 2023 but because of a very busy calendar and County Championships over 3 weekends in January and February the presentation night is delayed until February 2024. 

A team of volunteers did a stunning job with the logistics involved in organising an event of this magnitude, thanks to the team of coaches/officials, team managers, technical operators, and poolside assistants. 

Club Chairman Bob Wells compered the event together with Sarah Richardson who is currently the East Midlands Swim England President. 

The Mayor of Louth and Consort, Councillor Mrs. Julia and Mr. Alan Simmons opened the event with a perfect speech summarising the club’s values, to a long round of applause. In her speech the Mayor said that ”My Consort Alan and I thoroughly applaud the Swimming Club and its aim to be a first class competitive one. The Club provides a real focus and numerous lifelong skills to the youngsters amidst a background of caring, well trained and encouraging volunteers. It gives the members the chance to be the best that they can be and fly the flag for Louth and Lincolnshire. May we take this opportunity of wishing you all continued success in all your achievements.” 

Director of Swimming Ian Roscoe summarised what has been the best ever results for the club at the 2024 Lincolnshire County Championships. He stated that, “Over 6 days, Louth had 51 competitors swimming 468 races (not including finals or relays) an increase of 90 from 2023. Over 200 PBs. 114 medals (52 gold, 35 silver and 27 bronze). An outstanding 45 podium appearances, an increase from 7 the previous year, giving us a staggering 11 Junior County Championship trophies and 3 Open County Championship trophies. Out of the 8 relay races that took place across the Championships, Louth medalled in 6 of them collecting 2 golds, 1 silver and 3 bronze medals. Louth finished in an amazing 3rd place in the medal table, the first time we have finished in the top three. It is, therefore, safe to say that we have just had our most successful County Championships.” 

Bob thanked all the volunteers for their passion and commitment remembering the times when trophies and medals were presented poolside at the old Victoria Road Pool (demolished) Louth United Park Avenue Pavilion (demolished) Northgate LINPAC Club (demolished) as well as King Edwards old school hall and The Town Hall. 

The medals and trophies were presented by club coaches. 

The room was nicely set up by Sarah Stanley and her team. The medals and trophies were presented in front of a balloon arch surrounding the swimming club’s logo. The trophy secretary Claire Annison-Snowden with help from Laura Meston made the presentations run like clockwork with Lisa Barnet being unable to attend. 

The awards were followed by a fundraising chocolate raffle run by Claire Annison-Snowden and Laura Meston, a unique ‘disco’ was then much enjoyed by all. 

Report by Bob Wells (Chairman)