Somerset ASA

Three new clubs affiliate to Somerset ASA

Sat, 04 Sep 2010 10:48:39 -0500

Performance at Bath, joined up competition for Chard and Street and membership for disability swimmers across the County

Somerset ASA Management Committee adopted three new clubs for affiliation to the County on Saturday 4 September. For details of whose who in mangement and contact terms for each club please contact on the new name as follows. Details can also be found through our club directory.

One of the new clubs will allow for a 'performance pathway' to continue for three Somerset ASA clubs through the Aquae Sulis Performance Swim Club, which replaces the former Team Bath Youth and Age Group Swim Squad. This will allow competitors from, at present Bath Dolphin, Keynsham and Norton Radstock Swimming Clubs to develop further with other swimmers from around the Region using a number of pools across Bath and North East Somerset. It is hoped that the performance club will become the natural pathway for swimmers from other Somerset clubs especially in the east of the County allowing members to compete under the Aquae Sulis banner at Regional but not County level.

Somerset Cheetas Swim Squad have been formed for members of Chard and Street and District Swimming Clubs to jointly compete in league competition but not at County level.

The South West Disability Swim Squad (Northern Counties - Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire) has been formed to provide ASA membership for disability competitiors from across the three counties.

Disability Championships in November

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 13:51:56 -0500

Opportunity to compete against others in your class

Somerset ASA Swimming Championships and Age Group Competitions are an open competition that welcomes swimmers of all abilities. At Regional level qualification times are published for entry to those open competitions in respect of the various classification of disability. However, if you are a disabled athlete but would prefer a challenge with those in a similar classification from across the County and those surrounding then why not put 13th November in your diary and travel to Exeter for the Regional Disability Championships?

For full entry details click here.

For details of our disability programme click here.

Young Aquatics Volunteers programme for 2010/2011

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 09:59:25 -0500

ASA South West Region and Somerset County ASA have been awarded ASA funding for the Young Aquatics Volunteers programme for 2010/2011.

Your club can be involved in the initiative which forms a partnership between the ASA South West, your County Association and your club.

The young volunteers programme involves young volunteers aged between 15 and 19 years of age (volunteers can be 14 but must be 15 years of age by the end of March 2011) from clubs, being invited to assist with activities within a swim21 club environment and gain an insight in to the role and structure and management of a voluntary sports club.

ASA South West and Somerset County ASA will require the young volunteers to complete a minimum of 25 hours voluntary service within a swim 21 club, which can include a variety of different tasks over different areas.

The objective is to increase voluntary involvement within swimming clubs through a proactive working relationship. The young volunteers will also be offered a series of training courses with additional development opportunities such as volunteering at local competitions and County Championships.

Please note this opportunity is offered to volunteers from all aquatic disciplines.

The programme will only be hosted by clubs identified by ASA South West Region as being Swim 21 accredited or, as ‘actively working towards Swim 21’ and is therefore felt to be well equipped to provide a quality opportunity for a new young volunteer.

Lots of young people enjoy being involved as organisers, coaches, officials and administrators, and clubs can benefit from their essential contribution. Volunteers need to be positively encouraged to get involved in sport and feel valued and supported in their role. Through this programme opportunities will be created for young people to access swimming and contribute to the club environment.

We will expect clubs to utilise the volunteer’s time effectively and efficiently, allowing them to volunteer within a safe infrastructure, where they know what is expected of them.

There are a number of benefits clubs will gain from registering with the programme, including:
• A wider base of volunteers
• Reduction in workload
• New and fresh ideas
• New skills and additional qualified teachers/ coaches / officials
• Energy and enthusiasm
• Investment for the future

There are limited places offered to all swim 21 clubs and the club is expected to provide a member of club personnel (head coach, level 2 coach or above or committee member) to act as a mentor throughout the young person’s experience.

Ideally we would ask that the clubs workforce coordinator will act as the young persons mentor. However the supervision of the young person may change, depending on the nature of the activity.

Volunteers will be invited to complete and submit application forms,

In addition from the young volunteers trained throughout the Country the asa are hoping to indentify 40 volunteers from across the Country who are interested in attending the British Swimming Volunteer training programme .

Click to download A4 cover sheet and project description for the ASA SW programme. Click to download the Clubs terms of reference and the Young Volunteer Application Form for the Young Volunteers Programme 2010/11

The closing date for applicants is 17 September 2010.

Further details and application forms are available from Jackie Hilleard who is managing the programme on behalf of ASA South West (email jackie.hilleard@uwe.ac.uk tel 07919211749)

Good Practice Guidelines on the use of Social Networking Sites by ASA Clubs and Club Members

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 09:31:48 -0500

The ASA has issued new guidance to advise clubs how to deal with the world of social networking from a child safeguarding point of view. Social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter and video-sharing sites like You Tube provide exciting opportunities but they are accompanied by dangers and negative consequences if abused by users.

This is why the ASA has published the *Good Practice Guidelines on the use of Social Networking Sites by ASA Clubs and Club Members created by the legal department of the ASA with guidance of offical bodies. The purpose of this guidance is to provide a recommendation of best practice to all ASA club members and parents on the use of social networking sites as they relate to that individual’s role in the ASA club.

The ASA has also produced a specific guide for Twitter. The Parents' Guide to Twitter (web book version) is a step-by-step guide for parents on using the social micro-blogging web service. It explains what Twitter is, how to set up an account and how to use it. It should be read in conjunction with the Wavepower guidance on using social networks.

* Document is Wavepower 2009 – 2011 (August 2010) Section 2 Page 66A.

Coca-Cola boosts coaches to get an expected 22,000 people swimming

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 23:35:05 -0500

Coca-Cola Great Britain is supporting the training of over 120 new swimming teachers and coaches as part of its commitment to get people active on the road to 2012.

The announcement follows on from the success of the company’s ‘Schweppes Abbey Well’ ‘Schwim Free’ campaign. The scheme enables consumers to enjoy a free swim by exchanging promotional ‘Schweppes Abbey Well’ bottle tops at participating pools in England, Scotland and Wales. In the first year over 47,000 swims were redeemed.

When the scheme was launched in March 2009, Coca-Cola committed to make a donation to projects to get Britain swimming, and has now donated £50,000 to The Swimming Trust (TST). The money will be used for a Teacher Coach Education Grant Fund offering training opportunities for volunteers within Swimming, Diving, Synchronised Swimming and Water Polo clubs across the UK.

On average a swimming teacher provides 288 hours of instruction per year giving a quality, structured swimming experience to around 190 people. So this donation will see some 22,000 people learning to swim and participating regularly as result of Coca-Cola’s funding.

Jon Woods, Country Manager, Coca-Cola Great Britain and Ireland said: “We’re delighted to donate this money to help even more people get active on the road to 2012. Almost 50,000 took part in the first year of the scheme and we hope this year will be even bigger and better with 440 pools signed up, including 90 across London.”

Dennis Yeoman Chairman of The Swimming Trust said: “With the help of Schweppes Abbey Well’s ‘Getting Britain Sch…wimming’ campaign The Trust will be able to increase the number of quality trained swimming teachers and coaches, giving more people the opportunity to learn a fundamental life skill that will help them stay active throughout their lives.”

Coca-Cola Great Britain launched ‘Schweppes Abbey Well’, a new natural mineral water for British consumers, following its acquisition of the ‘Abbey Well’ water source in November 2008.

The Coca-Cola Company is a Worldwide Partner of the International Olympic Committee and partner of the London 2012 Olympic Games. With over 80 years experience working with the International Olympic Movement, The Coca-Cola Company has a strong commitment to the Olympic values and is proud to be supporting London 2012.

Click for information on how to apply.

ASA British Gas Club Grants scheme deadline approaching

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 09:43:51 -0500

The second phase of British Gas club grants scheme closes on 6 September 2010. This is a fantastic opportunity to secure funding for your club.

Applications from Swim 21 accredited clubs and those actively working towards are invited to apply. Grants are available up to £1000 to help with developing your club and activities.

Last quarter the scheme was over subscribed so apply now, to the regional office. To improve your chances of being successful, clubs are asked to ensure that their grant application matches their club development plan.

For more information please contact the Regional Office on 01452 39615 or download the application form and guidance notes.

Podium finishes for Somerset swimmers at ASA Championships

Sun, 22 Aug 2010 05:20:14 -0500

Seven swimmers from Somerset collect medals in Sunderland

The British Gas ASA National Championships (50m) held at Sunderland 18-21 August produced some first class performances from Somerset swimmers in the Multi-Disability (MD) and Open events with David Hill, Matt Shead, Jo-Jo Cranfield, Kate Grey, Hayley Towner and Chris Dart all making the podium.

Gold:
David Hill (University of Bath) 100m MD Back

Silver:
Matthew Shead (Millfield) 50m Breast

Bronze:
Jo-Jo Cranfield (Millfield) 100m MD Butterfly
Christopher Dart (University of Bath) 50m Back
Kate Grey (University of Bath) 200m MD Individual Medley
David Hill (University of Bath) 200m MD Individual Medley
Hayley Towner (University of Bath) 100m Fly

4th Hayley Towner (University of Bath) 50m Butterfly
4th Kate Grey (University of Bath) 100m MD Breast
5th Matthew Shead (Millfield) 100m Breast
5th Christopher Dart (University of Bath) 100 Back
5th David Hill (University of Bath) 50m Free
6th Kate Grey (University of Bath) 50m MD Free
6th David Hill (University of Bath) 100m Free
7th Jo-Jo Cranfield (Millfield) 400m MD Free
7th Victoria Rayson (Taunton Deane Swimming) 100m Back
8th Victoria Rayson (Taunton Deane Swimming) 50m Back
8th Georgia Holderness (Miilfield) 50m Breast
8th Christopher Dart (University of Bath) 200m Individual Medley
8th Matthew O’Brien (University of Bath) 100m Back
9th Edward Castro (University of Bath) 200m Butterfly
9th Jo-Jo Cranfield (Millfield) 100m MD Back
9th Jo-Jo Cranfield (Millfield) 200m MD Individual Medley

For full results click here
Congratulations!

Somerset Youth Swimmers set new British Records

Wed, 18 Aug 2010 11:59:09 -0500

Maughan and O'Conner set new best times

The British Gas ASA National Youth Championships (50m) 2010 held at Ponds Forge between 3-7 August saw Somerset swimmers from Millfield and Team Bath Youth & Age Group Swim Squad claim not only 3 gold medals but 3 British Age Group Records.

Gold - Amelia Maughan (Millfield) 14/15 100 Free (56.09) 14 yrs GB Record
Gold - Siobhan-Marie O'Connor (Team Bath Y&AG) 14/15 200 Breast (2:30.94) 14 yrs GB Record
Gold - Siobhan-Marie O'Connor (Team Bath Y&AG) 14/15 100 Breast (1:11.29)
Silver - Amelia Maughan (Millfield) 14/15 200 Free (2:00.82) 14 yrs GB Record

The strength of swimming across Somerset was on show as the following swimmers from four County Clubs became medallist or swum in finals:

Silver Medal:
Millfield B 4x 100 Free (James Disney-May, Tristan Slater, Nicholas Lowe, Ross McAuliffe)
James Disney-May (Millfield) B17/18 100 Free
Hayley Towner (University of Bath) G16/17 100 Fly
Amelia Maughan (Millfield) G14/15 50 Free
Siobhan-Marie O'Connor (Team Bath Y&AG) G14/15 100 Free

Bronze Medal:
Joseph Poynter (Millfield) B15/16 400 IM
Siobhan-Marie O'Connor (Team Bath Y&AG) G14/15 200 IM

Finalists:
4th Siobhan-Marie O'Connor (Team Bath Y&AG) G14/15 100 Fly
4th Ross McAuliffe (Millfield) B17/18 50 Free
5th Abigail Abrahams (Taunton Deane) G14/15 200 Free
5th Joseph Poynter (Millfield) B15/16 200 IM
6th Philippa Cochran (Millfield) G16/17 100 Breast
7th Tristan Slater (Millfield) B17/18 200 Breast
7th Millfield B 4x100 IM (James Disney-May, Thomas Litten, Nicholas Lowe and Ross McAuliffe)
8th Ross McAuliffe (Millfield) B17/18 100 Free
8th Tristan Slater (Millfield) B17/18 200 IM
8th Libby Mitchell (Taunton Deane) G16/17 100 Fly
8th James Disney-May (Millfield) B17/18 50 Free
8th Millfield G 4x200 Free (Lucy Titchin, Sophie Allin, Georgina Allin, Amelia Maughan)
9th Libby Mitchell (Taunton Deane) G16/17 200 Fly
9th Tristan Slater (Millfield) B17/18 400 IM
9th Thomas Litten (Millfield) B17/18 100 Breast
9th Joseph Poynter (Millfield) B15/16 200 Free

Congratulations!

Somerset Age Group Swimmers strike gold

Wed, 18 Aug 2010 11:53:56 -0500

A remarkable 10 Golds at National Level for Kurihara, Lavallin, Foster and Millfield Boys whilst Millfield is crowned Top Club

The British Gas ASA National Age Group Championships (50m) 2010 held at Ponds Forge between 28 July and 1 August saw Somerset swimmers from Millfield and Street claim a record 10 gold medals with Millfield taking the Top Club and Top Boys Club with only five swimmers.

Rio Kurihara continued his Age Group dominance in Sheffield as he took the Boys 13 years BAGCAT title and seven gold medals:
400m Individual Medley title (4:47.38) with nearly a seven second lead over silver medal position.
200m Breaststroke (2:28.19)
200m Individual Medley (2:14.78)
100m Breaststroke (1:09.80)
100m Butterfly (1:00.53)
4 x 200m Freestyle (Joel Knight, Rio Kurihara, James Chater, James Guy) (8:09.60)
4 x 100m Individual Medley (Joshua Booth, Rio Kurihara, James Guy, Joel Knight) (4:05.29)

Photo: Rio Kurihara (Millfield) receives the Boys 13 yrs BAGCAT Trophy

Photo: Millfield Coaches Helen Gouldby and Lin Skirton with Rio Kurihara and supporters at the 2010 National Age Group Championships

Whilst two swimmers from Street & District (click here for further detail and photographs) took breaststroke golds:
Lydia Lavallin (Street) Girls 11 yrs 100m Breaststroke (1:19.17)
Jessie Foster (Street) Girls 12 years 200m Breaststroke (2:39.32)
Have a read of the September 2010 Edition of 'Swimming Times' for mention of Lydia, Jessie and their coach Zoe Baker's sucess at this year's National Age Group Championships!

The tenth gold returned to Somerset was by Millfield Boys:
Boys 4 x 100m Freestyle (Millfield - Joshua Booth, James Chater, Joel Knight, James Guy ) (3:45.83)

The winning 4 x 100m Medley Team (Millfield - Joel Knight, James Guy, Joshua Booth, Rio Kurihara)
(Photo: left)

The successful Somerset ASA Development Meet and Championship Programme, which forms the basis of progression towards achievement at National level, stood out as Somerset swimmers from a number of clubs across the County also picked up other medals and made finals: Daniel Lui, Zak Aitchison (Yeovil - click here for further detail and photographs), Katie Parfitt (Keynsham/TBY&AG) and Girls 4x100m IM (Team Bath Youth and Age Group), Daniel Walker (Chard), James Guy, Joshua Booth, Joel Knight (Millfield), Jacob Greenow, Georgia Ardren, Sophie Abrahams (Taunton Deane), Lydia Lavallin (Street).

Congratulations to everyone involved!

Adlington launches British Gas 3 Free Swims campaign

Tue, 17 Aug 2010 07:03:16 -0500

Double Olympic and newly crowned European gold medalist, Rebecca Adlington, is encouraging people to take the plunge for free today, as she launches the British Gas 3 Free Swims campaign, at Clissold Leisure Centre in Hackney, London.

British Gas is giving away 3 free swims to their customers (for up to two adults and two children per swim) at health clubs, hotels and leisure centres around the country.

Adlington is still on a high after her gutsy win in the 400m freestyle at the European Championships in Budapest on Sunday evening.

Adlington said: “I am on a personal mission to get as many people as possible into the pool to enjoy the benefits of swimming.

“The British Gas 3 Free Swims campaign is the perfect opportunity to get customers, from paddling pool to podium, into the water to have fun in a safe and healthy environment.”

British Gas is hoping the initiative will be popular with all ages. It’s a great way to get the kids off the sofa and keep them entertained after weeks of school holidays, while parents can spend quality time with their children in the water.

Teenagers can meet up with their friends, and adults from all generations can enjoy the social and fitness benefits of being at the pool.

Friends and family can take three dips, without splashing the cash, at over 500 pools across the UK until 30th November 2010.

Adlington said: “It’s great that so many pools are taking part all over the country which means that British Gas 3 Free Swims will be accessible to a huge number of people, from all walks of life. Hopefully they’ll enjoy it so much that they’ll keep on swimming.”

Over 300,000 individuals took part in the inaugural British Gas Free Swim campaign last year, and the nation’s leading energy supplier is hoping British Gas 3 Free Swims will be even more successful.

British Gas Communications Director, Andrew Hogan said: “We at British Gas are delighted to be able to offer our customers the opportunity to enjoy 3 free swims. More people swim every week than any other sport, and as the Principal Partner of British swimming at all levels, we’d love to see even more of you in the pool.”

Aside from the social aspect, swimming is of course also the only sport which can save your life. Over 400 people drown in the UK every year and it is the third most common cause of accidental death in children.

Adlington said: “It’s really important that children learn to swim and be comfortable in the pool from an early age. But it’s never too late to learn. Non-swimmers can use British Gas 3 Free swims to literally dip their toes in the water at no expense.”

For further information on how to book your swim go to www.britishgasswimming.co.uk

Calling all Leisure Employers, Leisure Centres, Swim Schools, Managers, Swimming Coordinators and Teachers

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 12:14:34 -0500

Would you like to increase your aquatic revenue? Make money in tough times?

The ASA will be running 3 forums that will focus on how we can assist you to grow aquatics in your centre through increased participation and revenue.

Tuesday 7 September 2010 - Oxley Sports Centre, Sherborne
Wednesday 8 September 2010 - The Olympiad LC, Chippenham
Thursday 9 September 2010 - Buckfast Abbey, Buckfastleigh

All 10.00am - 2.00pm (Lunch provided)

Best of all its FREE to attend! Each forum will focus on:

How to grow and develop your learn to swim scheme
Key products and initiatives that will help to drive up participation in aquatics
The help available to recruit, train, support and retain your workforce

Please download and unzip the file for an invitation and delegate form. Places are limited, so please register early to avoid disappointment

ASA South West Regional Office, c/o Gloucester City Council, Herbert Warehouse, The Docks, Glocuester, Gl1 2EQ tel: 01452 396615

Jamieson named in Scotland Commonwealth Games team

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 21:47:01 -0500

British Gas ITC Bath swimmer Michael Jamieson has been named in Scotland’s swimming team for the Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games.

The 22-year-old breaststroker is coached by David McNulty at the British Gas ITC Bath. He is a member of the 21-strong swimming squad named by Commonwealth Games Scotland for the Games.

Jamieson will contest the 100m and 200m breaststroke in Delhi.

Three other University of Bath-based swimmers have already been selected to compete for England at the Commonwealth Games – Chris Walker-Hebborn, who also trains at the ITC, as well as Stacey Tadd and Richard Webb, who are coached by University of Bath had swimming coach Mark Skimming.

Jamieson, Tadd and Webb are also members of the British team for the European Championships, which take place in Budapest, Hungary, from 4-15 August.

Jamieson placed 10th fastest in the semi-finals of the Men’s 200m Breaststroke on 11 August 2010 in a time of 2:12.75.

ASA Coaching Awards Coach Nomination Form

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 21:40:28 -0500

The Regional Workforce Awards Ceremony is taking place as part of SW Learning Week on Saturday 18 September 2010.

ASA South West are aiming for and would love to receive at least 105 Coach Nomination forms to be submitted by 1 September 2010 (15 per CSP).

Please circulate to all your contacts in clubs, schools, leisure centres, swim schools etc and encourage people to recognise their workforce.

With the number of clubs and quality of teaching and coaching in Somerset, we will easily exceed this target if every club makes at least one nomination, before adding in leisure centres, school swimming or swim schools!

All you need to do is download the Coach Nomination form below and complete it electronically - click 'Submit' on the front page for the completed form to be emailed direct to Kelly Gaffney.

Click to download Coach Nomination Form 361.36 kB

mygames

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 13:36:13 -0500

mygames (powered by v), offers young people a unique opportunity to promote and celebrate the values of the 2012 Olympic Games, which include friendship, respect, excellence, equality and determination. Young volunteers will be encouraged to use these values to develop a volunteering project that will make a positive difference in their community.

The ASA’s mygames project will offer 42 young disabled volunteers aged 16-25 from across the country the opportunity to volunteer at aquatic events and gain valuable experience. Young volunteers will have the opportunity to produce a Personal Development Plan, take part in training opportunities and volunteer at regional and national events.

Working with a mentor the young volunteer will develop the skills and confidence needed to have the opportunity to volunteer at the 2012 Paralympic Trials.

Young volunteers will have the opportunity to receive training and all expenses incurred will be reimbursed.

The ASA are looking for young volunteers in the following areas: North East, Yorkshire, Merseyside and surrounding area, East Anglia, Gloucestershire, Somerset and Devon. If you would like to register your interest in applying to become a young volunteer please complete the expression of interest form. If you have further questions please email francesca.kelly@swimming.org.

The closing date for applications is September 2010.

British Gas ASA National Youth Championships (50m) 2010 - Day 5

Sun, 08 Aug 2010 07:37:11 -0500

In the younger 100m Breaststroke age group, Siobhan-Marie O'Connor (TEAMBath Y&A) won gold in 1:11.29, with Sycerika McMahon (Ireland) taking a commemorative medal in 1:11.32, Charlotte Bradbury (Bolton Metro) taking silver (1:12.25) and Jodie Hawksworth (Derventio) claiming bronze (1:12.97).

14-year-old O’Connor, who clocked a personal best to add the 100m to her 200m victory, said: “I haven’t done breaststroke in ages so I’m so glad to have done so well, especially being in the younger part of the age group and having gone from Age Groups to Youths.”

O'Connor added to her earlier gold with a silver in the Girls 14/15yrs 200m IM. She finished behind Sophie Smith (Co Leicester - 2:15.82) and Ireland’s Sycerika McMahon (2:17.58). Ellis Jackson (St Felix Sch) rounded off the medal positions with bronze.

Matthew Johnson (Co Sheffield) rounded off his Championships in style as he took apart the British Age Group Record for the Boys 15/16yrs 400m IM, finishing nearly five seconds under the mark in 4:22.76. He went out strong and although Mitchell Adshead (Plymouth Lea) pulled back the gap on the Backstroke leg, Johnson powered ahead on the Breaststroke and cemented the win ahead of Plymouth Leander’s Joseph Patching in 4:28.68 and Millfield’s Joseph Poynter in 4:31.24.

15-year-old Johnson said: “That is probably my best swim of the Champs because it’s such a fast time. I didn’t think this year, because I have moved up an age group, that I would do this well. But I just try and keep cool and race. Whatever comes now I’ll see how it fits in around my training programme.”

In the younger 50m Freestyle age group, Henry Ash (TEAMBath Y&A) secured bronze behind Karl Morgan (Nova Cent) who won in 24.07, with siver going to Kevin Riazanov (Hamilton UAE).

Click to view results

Sport England Small Grants Programme

Fri, 06 Aug 2010 20:50:30 -0500

The Small Grants Programme is designed to help local communities increase access to sport or to improve the experience of people playing sport.

Download and unzip this file for a pre-application checklist and a guide will give you answers to important questions such as:

- Who can apply?
- What they will and what they won’t fund?
- How to apply for funding?
- What makes a good application?

British Gas ASA National Youth Championships (50m) 2010 - Day 4

Fri, 06 Aug 2010 20:32:32 -0500

The Girls’ 14/15yrs 50m Freestyle went to form with the three fastest from the semi-finals taking the positions. At 25m the top three were pretty much matching each other stroke for stroke, and although Amelia Maughan and Lauren Quigley (Co Manch Aq) both improved their semi-final times it still was not enough to overhaul Quigley’s teammate Jessica Lloyd, who touched in 26.38.

Amelia Maughan from Millfield continued her fabulous form, setting yet another British Age Group record in the Girls 14/15yrs 200m Freestyle. But her 2:00.82 was still not quite enough to topple City of Leicester’s Sophie Smith who touched in 2:00.79 to take the title.

Maughan said: “I just wanted to go out and do what I did in the semis but I had to fight and in the end Sophie was just better than me. I’m so glad to have got the record, although it would have been nice to have come first.”

Hayley Towner (Bath Univ) was a silver medallist in the Girls 16/17yrs 100m Butterfly behind eventual winner Rachael Kelly (Royal Wolv) with Bochmann taking the third spot.

Kelly, who touched in 1:00.71, said: “It was a good swim and I knocked quite a bit of my PB. I haven’t had a very good week. This was my last race of the week so I decided to go out with a bang. I was determined to get the win.”

Click to view full results of the day’s racing.

Yeovil Sports Zone consultation organisers pleased with response

Fri, 06 Aug 2010 10:32:38 -0500

Organisers of the three-day consultation and exhibition held from 16 to 18 July to gather feedback on preferred locations for a Yeovil sports facility have thanked local people for attending.

Independent planning consultants Alliance Planning held the event on behalf of South Somerset District Council to show residents the work done so far to plan a 'Sports Zone' within the town, and to ask people for their preferences and comments.

Over 550 people attended and the venue was busy at all times with a constant flow of visitors.

Steve Joel, Assistant Director for Health and Well Being at South Somerset District Council was contented at the turn-out and commented: "We were very pleased that so many people came along, not only to view the emerging shortlist of possible locations, but to see the whole story.

"People were studying each of the boards carefully and really taking their time to think about their preferences when they filled out the feedback forms. Some were even staying for upwards of three hours to speak to us and to find out more.

"This means our consultants will have an excellent variety of meaningful comments and genuine feedback direct from local people, which will help shape the recommendations over which sites are most preferable. The recommendations are due to be made to the district council in the Autumn."

Work to compile all of the feedback and carry out a detailed analysis of the preferences and comments expressed will now be taken forward by Alliance Planning.

This information will be presented back to the district council along with a full report in the Autumn, all of which will be made public on South Somerset District Council's website and within the public council meeting and its papers.

Cllr Sylvia Seal, Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture added, "I too am glad that so many residents came along. The information displayed at the event will now also appear on our website and if anyone has further comments, these may be submitted.

"It is fantastic that the consultants' site reappraisal work has resulted in having seven options for us to gather opinion on. It's important groundwork which will be used to help sculpt a scheme that will deliver much-needed sports and health facilities in our area for generations to come.

"Even in this financial climate, we need to think of the long term. The need is only going to grow, along with the population, and we'd be failing our residents if we didn't start to make plans for a project for the future. It's about preparing and having a project ready. It's our children and grandchildren that will benefit."

More information is available at: www.southsomerset.gov.uk/yeovilsportszone

Chance to gain lifeguard qualification

Fri, 06 Aug 2010 10:28:05 -0500

There is an opportunity to gain a nationally recognised lifeguarding qualification later this month.

An RLSS National Pool Lifeguard Qualification will run at Churchill Sports Centre from Saturday 21 August to Thursday 26 August from 8am to 5.30pm each day.

This course is the only RLSS UK qualification which recognises the different requirements in different locations and indicates the ability in a range of specialist lifeguarding skills.

The cost of the six-day course is £210, including the course log book.

For more information and an enrolment form contact Di Wookey in N Somerset Councuil's leisure office on 01934 427 222 or email leisure.service@n-somerset.gov.uk

British Gas ASA National Youth Championships (50m) 2010 - Day 3

Fri, 06 Aug 2010 01:38:04 -0500

The final of the Girls’ 14/15yrs 200m Breaststroke proved one to watch, with new British bests set for both of the Age Groups. 14-year-old Siobhan-Marie O’Connor (Team Bath Y&A) fought off 15-year-old Charlotte Bradbury (Bolton Metro) to take the gold. O’Connor had led from the start but Bradbury pushed her in the last 25m, spurring both girls into clocking new British Age Group record marks with 2:30.94 and 2:31.11 respectively. Jessica Chadwick (Gallica) fought for the bronze in a time of 2:35.25.

O’Connor said: “My record was completely unexpected because I don’t tend to swim Breaststroke, I’m more of an IM swimmer. I was hoping to get a British Age Group record this year but not in the Breaststroke so I’m really pleased but it was a bit of a surprise.”

In the older 100m Freestyle Age Group, James Young (Plymouth Leander) managed to fight off Millfield’s James Disney-May in the last 50m to take the title in 51.18, with Disney-May taking silver in 51.28 and Ieuan Lloyd (Co Cardiff) in 51.70.

Young added: “That was a nice swim. I have Sunderland in a couple of weeks so this was really to test my fitness. For two years me and James [Disney-May] have had this rivalry so it usually goes one way or the other. I always relish the swim but my back end of the race is always strong and so I was happy with my swim.”

Click to view full results of the day’s racing.