The summer is now over, if in fact it had actually arrived. With the season being as quiet as it was meant that there were only a few minor first aid incidents to try and keep our lifeguards busy. However, the number of people advised of water safety and local information were in high numbers like every year. Thank you to all the members that helped to maintain the excellent customer relations with our regular beach users as well as those Grockles.
As most of you now know the Club Captain, Francis Holman, resigned from his position during the summer. Until a new Captain is appointed at the next AGM, Roger Spriggs has agreed to stand in with Paul Hindley taking on the role of Vice Captain.
The SLSA of GB have joined forces with the Swimming Teachers Association (The STA) which has caused many changes to awards. The Surf Lifeguard award has been replaced by the NARS Beach Lifeguard Qualification for one. Jeff and Miles have information about all the awards.
We are hoping to set up some resuscitation / first aid courses during the winter season. These will include the RLSS Life Support and the newer NARS Emergency Response awards. Anyone who is interested see Miles, Director of Training, who will try and organise it for you.
Likewise, anyone interested in the pool awards such as RLSS National Pool Lifeguard Qualification and Bronze Medallion should also see Miles.
Fancy a dip in ice cold sea water?? This year we hope to organise a sponsored Boxing Day dip - not a new idea but one we feel may bring in some much needed funds for the Club. We are looking at two swims, 50 & 100m, with coffee and mince pies (or maybe a noggin) afterwards. We would like to see each hardy member to raise at minimum of £5 sponsorship each which will earn you a free mince pie and drink. There will be mince pies and drinks on sale as well for any friends and family that wish to come down and enjoy the day with us.
(Sorry Roger, no wetsuits allowed!) Please see the Secretary for a sponsorship form.
Well done to our Nipper and Junior members who represented us in their respective national championships.
The Nippers: Luke Brightwell, Luke Smith, Alex Davison and Gareth Knott did exceptionally well in the Nipper carnival considering there was only the four of them.
The Juniors - Andy George, Dan Allin, Sofa Horton and Steve Wardropper put up a valiant effort against the best that Devon and Cornwall had to offer. This was very much a trial team for us, next year Christchurch will be on the podium collecting medals !!
Several of our Juniors, Steve Wardropper, Andy George, Dan Allin and John Spriggs entered a Southern Region team to compete at Portreath, Cornwall in September. Unfortunately John and Steve were involved in a road traffic accident on the Saturday before the competition. Both John and Steve both suffered serious injuries and I am sure I speak for all the members out there when I wish them a complete and speedy recovery. Also our thoughts should go to a Branksome junior (Joe) who, although not physically injured, suffered shock following the experience.
These young people are all Lifeguards in the making and most importantly, the future of this Club and deserve all the support and encouragement we can give.
Over the next couple of months there are several dates that you may be interested in.
| November | ||
| 14-15 | National Lifesaving Champs. Sheffield (RLSS) | |
| December | ||
| 26 | Sponsored Boxing Day Swim | |
| ... |
Now is the time to look at our fundraising ideas for next year. Time and time again, people come up with valuable ideas but nothing comes of them. Anything that will raise a little cash is more than welcome.
As well as running costs, a couple of expensive ideas have been suggested for the future - to replace the 'Wren' with a more practical boat and to build a new clubhouse (not a cheap idea). Lottery funding is a definite possibility but we do need to start raising funds for the project before they will even consider a grant. Let's say £10,000 to start with!!
The idea to run a car boot sale in aid of the club has been raised and could be an excellent way to pay some running costs but it needs help. Please could everyone have a look at home for anything that could be sold. Anyone who has any items please make arrangements to leave them with Jeff or Craig.
Again please try and support the Boxing Day Swim. Sponsorship forms will be available from Jeff shortly.
Do we hear the patter of tiny feet? We will soon - Kate Angus is expecting her first child, due in the New Year. Congrats.
For Sale 9' Spitfire speedboat. New black and yellow paintwork. Includes engine, fuel tank and road trailer. See Jeff for further details.
