Winter Newsletter 2009/2010

Welcome to our Winter newsletter…..the purpose of which is to inform the people involved with our club what is going on now, and what is planned for the future. There are also a few points of club rule that have to be re-enforced to ensure the club functions efficiently and within standard guidelines.

Over the last year our club has seen many changes behind the scenes with a few individuals leaving the club and the unfortunate death of our Secretary Derrick Lodge.

There has also been the recent change on poolside with our Chief Coach Mick Coyne stepping down after being in charge for a number of years. There has not yet been appointed a replacement into the role, but a way forward is being planned by the committee. We do recognise that the most important thing we should be doing is developing all our swimmers to achieve their full potential, and to this end you can be assured that whatever plan going forward we put together will be first and foremost with the swimmers needs and development in mind.

Another important issue we wish to make you aware of is Knowsley Council’s intention to fundamentally change the way learn to swim is provided within it’s duristriction. Currently four private swimming clubs (Bridgefield, Everton, Penguins and Prescot) operate within Knowsley and all provide a Learn to Swim facility. Some time within the next year it is the councils intention to remove the facility to operate this level of teaching from within a private club structure and take all Learn to Swim “in house” and, wholly operated and administered by the council. Whilst we do not want this to happen we need to work with the council, to develop their future plans and ultimately we can only operate within their guidelines as all our facilities as supplied by the council and subject to the hire terms and conditions. What happens when the council close down our learn to swim and people then move over to a council operated scheme, we will explain when we are aware of the detail.

You will probably be reading this newsletter early after the Christmas break, so we take this opportunity to wish you all a happy new year. If you’re thinking of starting something new and involved with sport why not have a chat with one of our teachers and consider getting back in the pool or try your hand at teaching. We will guide you with your development and pay for the courses that will be attended. On this point we congratulate Joshua Atkins and Alan Hankin on passing their Level 1 Teachers qualifications just before the Christmas break
We are also always on the look out to send people on officials courses, so if any one out there would like to attend an officials course (starters – referee – judges and timekeepers) have a chat with one of the committee members or one of the teachers.


On this and the next page is a list of gala’s we will be involved with over the next six months. Some of the dates and times may change so always look on our notice board and website for the latest info.

Merseyside & District League (M & D)

The M&D league is our main competition over the year; the age range is 10year old to open age.
We have had our first gala in December and will compete in our second one on January 10th. We need many peoples help to compete in these galas and if your child is chosen to represent the club please make every effort to attend. If your child cannot attend please let one of the team managers know as soon as possible so we can call on a reserve team member.

Invitation Galas

TBA 2010 Derrick Lodge celebration gala. @ Halewood Sports Centre

Bridgefield Club Gala April 2010

Each year we have our club gala, and aim to achieve full participation. Events start at 1 width walking races and go upto open age 4 length swims. Swimmers will compete in their own age groups in upto 4 events. The competition is within our own club and all children will be awarded a medal at our presentation night close after the gala. Entry forms will be available nearer the date.