Hello,

Another very successful term where Sally, Chris and I battle to stay one step ahead of our pupils. They are such stars and achieve so much in a short space of time. We often think back to their first lesson and it makes us realise just how much progress they have made. Once they start swimming at school they are always way ahead of their peers. Swimming is a vital skill even at a very young age where they learn to socialise (and so do you), get used to the water and develop their learning skills. You don’t forget your swimming teacher as I am beginning to find out. I now have parents saying you taught me to swim and they are now bringing their children to learn (Gosh I think I’ve been in this job too long!)

For some families though it is not a good time, especially in times of recession made even worse at Christmas. Thank you for all your support helping these families through difficult times. The children talk about the day they went to the theatre and the parents talk about the hampers long afterwards.

Happy Christmas and a really good New Year to you all.

Anne

CHLOE SERGI

I’d like to introduce Chloe, probably one of the worst swimmers we ever had to deal with (and there have been many). Chloe came to us as 3 year old who wouldn’t get changed, wouldn’t go in the water and when she did, hung onto Grandma’s neck for dear life. However, she went on to be our Swimmer of the Year. She has now completed her Gold standard and is working with the Voluntary Lifeguards. We are delighted to welcome her as our helper.

NEWS

Finley Oliver weighed in at 7lbs 10oz on 12th October, our first grandson. On the same day, our other son told us Grandchild Number #2 was on the way.

Some of you may remember Chris & Cathy actually met at the pool (I certainly remember match-making). Rowan Elizabeth weighed in at 7lbs 6oz on 18th October.

Sophie Elizabeth made her appearance on 7 November, sister to Alex and Tommy Homer.

We were delighted that Emily Wells’ Mum Sue was winner of Mum of the Year at the Argus Achievement Awards. This remarkable Mum has 17 children, 6 of her own and 11 special needs children whom nobody else wanted, so she adopted them in order that they would know what it was like to live as a family rather than life in an institution. What a courageous lady.

Alexandra Ryan has received a diploma for exceptional swimming from the National Kelloggs Swimtastic Awards held in Sheffield. This 4 year old is one amazing swimmer. We are very proud.

WE KNOW THE FEELING

“Be careful of being eaten by small children”

Warning notice on a packet of toy animals sold in Thailand

THE SWIMMING TEACHERS’ PRAYER

GOD give me the wit to hold the peace with the interfering Mum

Who, behind my back, will try to teach her nervous learner son

“Keep your head up love, it’ll hurt your eyes

Don’t swallow the dirty water”

“Put your head down ‘Pet’ blow bubbles please

While I deal with your Mum like I oughter”

God give me the grace to smile at the child

Who whinges aloud “I can’t” and keep my hand back

From boxing the ears of the other who shout “I shan’t”

Help me dear Lord to cope with the kid

Who thinks he knows it all

The jack-in-the-box who bobs up and down

And the one who won’t leave the wall

To encourage the dear with the rubber legs

That continually fly east and west

The spluttering Joe swallowing half the pool

Lord the poor devil’s doing his best.

Just give me a helping hand, O Lord,

Don’t make good swimmers of them,

Between you and me, I’m glad of their faults

To keep me in business

Amen