This term we have been teaching in eight schools. You soon understand how important swimming lessons are. Some of these children only swim once a year with the school if they are lucky. They might even get a swimming teacher, but most are taught by  untrained school teachers. The National Curriculum standard is to be able to swim just 25m by Year 6. Sadly too many children are unable to reach this standard. Thank goodness your children have  lessons. We are delighted that Little Horsted and St Margaret's, Rottingdean did so well in the Schools Galas.

So sad to hear of yet another 13 year old trying to rescue his friend. He drowned and the friend swam to the safety of  the riverbank. Once again we will be teaching water safety and survival to your children. We KNOW from past experience that some of our children remember this lesson and have actually been able to take some action.

Did we have a good day at Bewl Water with our Southern Water Learn to Swim Achievers of the Year. Congratulations once again to the Jones family - Chi, Millie and Cam. Unfortunately this clashed with Charlie’s Walk. What a great 10 year old he is - a prem baby, registered partially sighted, yet he walked all they way from Seaford to Eastbourne on our behalf.

Earlier this year Charlie was a recipient of The Brian Smith Achievement Award from Seahaven Lions club as well as a Young Citizen award from Seaford Town Council. Both these were in recognition of money raised on behalf of the abcfund.

The charity continues to flourish and we are able, thanks to your support, to help families who suffer day in day out, year in year out coping with long term disability or bereavement  of a child. We also deal with families where there is abuse, poverty and hardship. 

The last word is given over to Chris, Sally and Jasmin for all their wonderful teaching skills, without which I couldn’t function.

HAPPY (and safe) HOLIDAYS