ANDOVER Swimming and Water Polo Club held their presentation evening last week.

Despite dealing with pool closures and multiple restrictions over the past year, the club were delighted to be joined by Olympic champion Heather Stanning OBE on Friday, who presented the badges, medals and awards.

More than 50 badges were given out to swimmers who took part in the Postal Swim in 2020 and 2021. Medals were also awarded for the very successful relay teams. Following a recent club championships, gold, silver and bronze medals were awarded to the top girl and boy in each age group, with the overall medal going to Abi MacDonald for knocking a very impressive 26 seconds off her combined PB’s.

A huge round of applause went to Lilly Ross as she was congratulated on gaining a position in the England’s U17 women’s waterpolo team, having played at the Czech Republic in October.

This year saw the introduction of the Chris Dewey Award. Chris retired as Chairman of the club two years ago after devoting all his free time to the club over a period of years, going above and beyond on every occasion. This award was presented to Sharon Kirwan, a very deserved winner, who has been supporting the club as a volunteer for more than a decade. . Her dedication to the club is outstanding and an inspiration to the current volunteers.

A certificate of Lifetime membership was also presented to Margaret Smith. Margaret has been swimming for the club since 1991, completing her 26th Postal Swim in 2019. Margaret contribution to the club is truly commendable.

The club captains for 2022 were announced, and the club captain t-shirts were received with delight!

Before the Christmas break we have two swimmers going to the Winter Nationals and 32 swimmers competing at events in Hart and Winchester.