Swimming
Dolphins begin celebrations

Buy photos » Egglesfield Shield winners Aaron Biddle and Anthony Redfern. (s)

DROITWICH Dolphins Swimming Club marked the start of their 50th anniversary with their annual presentation evening at Droitwich High School.

Droitwich Mayor Coun Mike Barratt was on hand to dish out individual trophies and was accompanied by the Mayoress as well as special guests Gareth Holliday and John Kelly, former chairmen of the club.

Certificates were awarded for achievements at the club’s Age Group and Championship Galas and a speech was given by Mr Holliday who was chairman from 1992 to 2001.

New head coach Chris Hadley thanked previous head coach Sue Marsh and talked about his plans to take the club forwards, promising hard work for all the swimmers.

After awards for the Betty George and Frank Hawkins Diddy Gala, it was time for the club’s Special Awards, chosen by the coaches, to be handed out.

The Zenalan Girls Trophy, awarded for junior endeavour and improvement, was given to Megan Oswell whilst the boys equivalent went to Callam Turner.

Jessica Biddle and Fraser Burgess were named best newcomers, picking up the Harrison Trophy and Hillson Trophy respectively.

The Egglesfield Shield, awarded for the most successful county performance was shared by Aaron Biddle and Anthony Redfern.

Rachel Bradley’s commitment to training, attitude and improvement saw her claim the Wright girls Trophy, Sam Cave and Adam McConnell took the boys’ honours.

The Lloyd Trophy went to Tom Dean for being the most improved swimmer of the year whilst Ruth Hadley and Ben Gallant picked up the The Victrix Ludorum Trophy for accumulating the most championship points.

Special mention went to Ruth Hadley, 13, who had an extremely successful year, representing the County in all their galas, putting her name to 17 club records at the end of the year but actually setting 43 records as she broke her own records several times. She also regained her Ladies Club Champion status by winning all events, giving her an amazing 19 trophies to take home.

Finally, club chairman Rosalien Biddle presented a special award to Mandy Gerwitz for 30 years of outstanding service to the club. Reference was made to Mandy being the backbone to the club with her fulfilling many roles over the past 30 years.

She got involved due to her daughters being members of the club and is still making a huge contribution today despite her daughters have long stopped competing.