 |
|
News > Bobcats News 2009
Bobcats News 2009
December Duel in the Pool
Joseph is a Rising Star Joseph Gillam is the first youngster to be given ‘Rising Star’ status under a new council scheme.Read the article in the Evening Telegraph here.. Xmas at the Ashoka What a good do!Thanks to everybody who supported our annual party and prize giving.Thanks also to Simon for his Master of Ceremonies skills,very amusing.Also to Matt for presenting the prizes and Sheila for organising the trophies and engraving.Biggest thanks,of course,to Liz for sorting out the whole thing,a terrific effort.Roll of honour here.. NASL Round 3,Woolston The final gala for 2009 was held at Woolston pool,Warrington.We put in a good effort,but were overpowered by strong teams from Garston,and last year's Champions,Bolton. We will have to await confirmation of our final league placing,but all in all, it was a good debut. Thanks to all swimmers who have represented Bobcats in the league this year. Times and results from Woolston here.. Duel in the Pool to be televised The BBC is to broadcast live,the Duel in the Pool at Manchester Aquatics.Times are 19:00-21:00 on 18/12,on BBC 3 and online.13:45-16:30 on 19/12,on BBC 1 and online.
We have been sent details of this meeting with the Swim northwest team,taking place at St Peter's on 13 January 2010.See the flyer here and contact them if interested. November Bobcats record breakers The feeder clubs have been holding their annual championship galas in the past month.At Rosegrove Joseph Gillam,Marsha Banks and Abigail Pounder set new marks,whilst at Haslingden Kerry - Anne Holding broke two long standing records.Congratulations to all four swimmers. The final round for this season is to be held at Woolston on 12/12/2009(warm up 6:00pm).The top 6 teams will compete in what we think is a third round, rather than a final as it was last year.Top 3 are currently Bolton,Bobcats and Garston.Full table and Round 3 clubs here.. USA Swim Camp Unfortunately,not a Bobcats swim camp,but one we have been told about that might be of interest (in fact two Bobcats parents have confirmed bookings already)As well as the usual swim camp stuff there is an opportunity to meet the great Michael Phelps.Have a look at the website here.. and the 2009 Itinerary for an idea of what goes on.
Second Annual General Meeting Bobcats second AGM was held at St. Peter's on Wednesday,4/11/2009.Officers were re-elected and a new member,Vicky Rennolds, was welcomed onto the committee.The Chairman summed up the past year and outlined the challenges facing us in the future.His report can be read here. Swimwear rule change,effective 01/01/2010 FINA,the World governing body of swimming, has issued a ruling about permitted competition swimwear (Costumes,goggles and hats) which comes into force on 1st January.The ruling is here(all 15 pages of it !) A word of caution about something of which we have been made aware.Certain swimwear companies are selling the 'old' suits at reduced prices.They might sound an attractive purchase now but come January,they will be worthless if you intend to use in competiton.Our advice - stay clear. October Olympian Master Class
Harrogate Junior Open Ten Bobcats ventured across the border into Yorkshire for our first visit to the Harrogate Junior Open.Special mention to medalists Samantha Titterton,Jamie Sharpley,Erica Minozzi and Lucy Rowland, but well done to all our swimmers for their efforts.See the results here.. Duel in the Pool, Manchester Aquatics, 18/19 December 2009 This is a challenge match between the mighty United States swim team,and a European team made up of German,Italian and Team GB swimmers.The legendary Michael Phelps,is expected to be representing the USA,which is worth the entry fee alone.See the 'Duel in the Pool' website which contains all you need to know plus ticket details. ASANW Regional championships All entries for the event at Manchester Aquatics on 7th/8th November have been accepted.Please see here for entry details and here for an important message regarding the withdrawal system. National League news Gala 2 is to be held at Woolston,near Warrington on 14th November.We currently lie 2nd in the 11 team league,just four points behind Garston.League table is here and details of clubs in the second gala are here. Team sheet and travel arrangements will follow soon. Bobcats stunning National League debut Bobcats marked their debut in the League with a second place at Winsford.We were nip and tuck with Garston,but were just edged out at the end.Congratulations to all our swimmers for their effort and enthusiasm.Also a big thank you to coaches,officials and supporters.A terrific team effort all round. September New Secretary Christine Fothergill has joined the committee as the new secretary,taking over from Ian Hindle.Many thanks to Christine for volunteering,and also to Ian for his valued time and effort over the last couple of years. Goodbye to the Thompsons Two of our longest serving members,Hayley and Georgia Thompson,have decided to leave Bobcats to concentrate their efforts on their other interests.We thank them for their loyalty and support over the years and wish them well in the future.They'll both be missed by their friends at Bobcats. New sponsor for National Swimming League The National Swimming League,in which we make our debut at Winsford,has acquired a major new sponsor.Leading swimwear firm,Arena,has agreed a three year deal with the league.The league will be known as the 'National Arena Swimming League'. Monte Carlo or bust for Charlotte Charlotte Edwards leaves for Monaco this week to compete in the Biathle World Championships,where she will be representing Great Britain.She will be looking to better the tenth place she achieved last year in Cape Town,South Africa.All at Bobcats wish her success and the best of luck. Great North Swim There was a strong Bobcats presence for the Great North Swim held on Lake Windermere on 13th September.Pick of the bunch was Joseph Gillam who came 7th(Male)and Marsha Banks,who came 31st(female).Marsha's swim was notable because she was the youngest female entrant.There were also strong swims from Mark and Thomas Preston,and 'Bobcats dads' Stuart Banks,Simon Nutter and Steve Pickles.Full results can be seen here. Marsha and Joseph tackle Windermere. Marsha Banks and Joseph Gillam have left the comfort of the pool to enter the Great North Swim in Lake Windermere.Have a look at this article in the Burnley Express. Trio off to Uni We bid a fond farewell to three of our swimmers who are off to university.All at Bobcats wish Josh Finch,Alexandra Perry and Lewis Fox the best of luck and success in their studies Land Training to return Land Training will recommence after the summer break.First session is on Monday 7th September 7:15-7:45pm and then same time subsequent Mondays and Wednesdays. August Stonyhurst 'A Brill Weekend' By all accounts,the first Bobcats swim camp was a resounding success,in fact one person described it as a 'brill weekend'.Everything went perfectly and behaviour was excellent.Thank you to Andrew and his coaching team for their efforts.Also Team manager,Liz Hamer, for taking care of non-swimming activities and allowing the coaches to concentrate on coaching.Also,thanks to committee members for organising the weekend,and a big thank you to Barbara Rowland who was a great help in organising the camp.A great effort all round! Padiham Leisure Centre re-opens Padiham Leisure Centre will re-open on Sunday,30th August after it's £1.25 million refurbishment.The swimming pool will be open on 2nd September.Bobcats will be holding some evening sessions at Padiham as we did before the closure.Keep an eye on website and notice board for details.See,also,the Padiham Leisure Centre website. This is the same course held at Manchester Aquatics on 19 August.Three Bobcats attended that day,and the feedback was fairly positive.If you missed the last date,or would like to sharpen up your breaststroke for the new season,give it a go.Refer back to news page in July,for booking form and contact details.
Dates and times for training at Manchester have now been finalised.See diary dates and sessions times for details.
Andrea Lensky is currently handing out entry forms for this meet.This is another first for Bobcats,so let's try for a good entry.Can forms be returned to Andrea,together with payment,as soon as possible,or by 22/09/09 at the latest.(Please note that ages for entry are boys 9-14,girls 9-13.Any doubt,please check with Andrea)
Mark Preston has been enjoying considerable success in the Open Water discipline.In July, he came first at the Lyn Tegid Championship at Lake Bala in Wales, swimming 3K in 43:57.In August,he achieved a second place swimming a 5.25 miles event in Lake Derwent in the Lake District,which he cracked off in 2:04:04.Well done to Mark for both results. July Good luck Ben! Bobcats wish Ben Edwards the best of luck this week at the Nationals in Sheffield.He goes in the 100m breaststroke on Tuesday and the 200m breaststroke on Thursday. 100m result here 200m result here Ben Edwards returned from the FISEC games in the Algarve wth an impressive haul of 3 silver medals and 2 bronzes.For results from the meet read here.. We have been sent details of this course to be held at Manchester Aquatics on 19 August.See the leaflet here and booking form here .There is further information on this website : http://www.nickgillingham.com/ Mark has sent us a graphic account of his Channel Swim.Close your eyes and it's just like being there.Read it here.. The curry evening at the Ashoka was a great success.Many thanks to Liz Hamer who did a great job organising the evening,and thanks to all parents who supported the event.
Simon has been contacted by Lindsay Hudson from Blessed Trinity School. She is wondering whether there are any swimmers at Bobcats who might want to enter the English Schools Championships to be held at Europa Pools , Bobcats’ hero, Mark Preston, finally got his Channel swim underway at 4:45 am on Thursday 16th July. The swim had been postponed for over a fortnight, but conditions were perfect when Mark lead off his six man team. The swim took 15 hours and 15 minutes with Mark doing three one hour stints. The team arrived in Congratulations Mark. We are really proud of you. National Swimming League 3 October 2009 Bobcats wil be travelling down the M6 to Winsford,Cheshire for our first appearance in the League.Warm up is set for 6:00 pm.We have no information about the pool as yet,but directions etc. will be notified nearer the time. Ben's off to the Algarve Good luck to Ben Edwards, who leaves this week for the Algarve.Ben is representing Great Britain in the FISEC Catholic games in Lagos,Portugal. Jamie’s Bagcat award A big well done to Jamie Sharpley, who achieved a second place in the 9 year old boys Bagcat listings, at the recent
The draw for the first round of the National swimming league has been made. Our first opponents are Royton, Ashton Central, Leyland Barracudas and Garston. The match will take place on Saturday, 3rd October at a venue to be announced. For detailed information on the league see the National Swimming League website here.. Mark’s swim on hold Incredibly, during the hottest week of the year, Mark’s Channel swim was postponed because the water was too cold! A new attempt has been pencilled in for 16th July. There is a nice article in the Rossendale Free Press together with a rather alarming photo of Mark. Read here.. Manchester Manchester Aquatics have confirmed our continuing Saturday bookings for the 12 months from September 2009.Unfortunately, they can’t confirm times and dates as yet. As soon as we know, we’ll post on notice board and website.
We have received confirmation of entries from ASA Northwest Age Group Championships (weekend 1) The first weekend of the championships saw Lucy Rowland and Samantha Titterton competing.Lucy gained a 7th place in the 400m IM (11 years)final with a time of 6:12:46.Samantha clocked 3:37:38 in the 200m breaststroke (10 years) heats missing a PB by a fraction. ASA Northwest Age Group Championships Good luck to our girls,Erica Minozzi,Lucy Rowland,Samantha Titterton and Ashleigh Dibb who are competing in the ASA Northwest Age Group championships over the next two weekends.
May
Inter-Association Gala Two of our swimmers were selected to represent North Lancashire Association in the Inter Association Gala at Broughton, over the Bank Holiday weekend. Ashleigh Dibb (10) had five swims over the weekend where she finished 2nd in 50m Backstroke, 4th in 50m Butterfly, 50m Freestyle and 200m Backstroke, and was 7th in 200m Freestyle. Samantha Titterton (10) had 3 swims and finished 8th in 50m Breaststroke, 9th in 200m Breaststroke and 10th in 400m Freestyle.
Some nice news, although somewhat delayed. We have just been informed by Satellites of Macclesfield Open Bobcats finish 11th out of 30 Clubs at Macclesfield, an excellent effort considering our team was basically made up of the Junior Squad.
Bobcats had 4 swimmers competing in the North West Region Youth Championships at Liverpool Aquatics. A total of 4 medals were achieved over the weekend with two 2nd and two 3rd places. Between them they reached 8 finals,achieved 3 personal best times, and Ben Edwards gained 2 ASA National qualifying times.Bobcats finished a creditable 20th out of 35 clubs overall.
Congratulations to Simon Holding and Joseph Gillam, who were both nominated for the annual awards. Unfortunately they didn’t win their respective categories, but it is an honour for them, and a feather in the cap for Bobcats to be involved.
Peter Workman has resigned as Competition Secretary. We would like to thank him for his valued contribution to Bobcats over the past months. Andrea Lensky has kindly volunteered to step in, for which we thank her. Sharkeye underwater camera system Session Cancelled We are hoping to use the system for the first time at the Bank Holiday Monday training session on 4/5/2009.In line with ASA photographic policy, it is essential that we have permission from parents to allow their child to be filmed. To this end, we have been giving out a waiver form to be signed and returned. If you have not received it yet, please contact Simon, Sheila or Alan ASAP. Bobcats runners up at Salford An excellent team performance saw Bobcats into second place,behind Oldham Aquatics, at the Salford Spring Open meet.Well done to everyone involved.
Congratulations to Kerry Anne Holding for winning the 'spot on' competition at the Salford Spring Open meet.Swimming freestyle,she was just .02 of a second outside her submitted time.Cokes are on Kerry at the next meet! March Stonyhurst Swim Camp Simon and Alan visited Stonyhurst on Bowling Evening The Bowling evening at Bury was a great success. Thanks to Liz Hamer who did a great job, not only organising the event, but sorting out the Easter egg raffle and football card. The egg was won by Jamie Sharpley and the football card by Amelia Brennan.
There has been a good response to the flyers about the Swim camp. As a result we have confirmed the booking. We have been invited to visit the College on 21st Century Technology comes to Bobcats We have been fortunate in securing a grant which has enabled us to purchase this very exciting piece of equipment. The ‘sharkEYE Coach’ is basically an underwater camera which enables a coach to film strokes and analyse weaknesses, and, importantly, to be able to replay to the swimmer.Coming soon to a pool near you. Well done to Katie Metcalfe who claimed a Bronze medal in Due to the success of the Monday session we are adding a further session on Wednesday evening.Dance Studio,7:30pm - 8:00pm
Thanks to all swimmers,parents ,coaches and committee members who attended the meeting on Sunday.It was a fruitful discussion,with lots of positive points raised which we can use to take the club forward. February Goodbye to Nathan A Bobcat stalwart and legend, Nathan Hindle, is leaving the squad at the end of February after 5 years with both old and new Bobcats. He is to keep up his swimming at Rosegrove, but would like to focus on other things. All his friends at Bobcats wish him well and hope he keeps in touch.
We have booked The cost of the camp will be notified soon, but early indications show it will be very reasonable. Have a look at the college website here..
Commencing Please support these sessions. They will complement your swimming training and probably be good fun as well.
Thanks to all coaches, committee members, swimmers and parents who attended the Senior Squad discussion meeting on Sunday morning. It was a valuable exercise and all comments were appreciated. The 2009 Manchester Open is a licensed Level One meet.It is to be held at the Manchester Aquatics Centre on 16/17 May 2009.
The swim will take place late June, early July this summer. Despite it being summer, sea temperatures are only expected to be 15/16c.The freezing water, the strong tide and the presence of jellyfish will make this a really tough experience for Mark. Mark and his team are doing this in memory of a work colleague who sadly died last year. They are hoping to raise funds for the British Heart Foundation. If anybody is interested in sponsoring Mark or making a donation, please speak to him at St.Peter’s or contact him at mark.preston@flowplant.com
Katie off to Serbia Just to prove our swimmers are multitalented, Katie Metcalfe has been chosen to represent the United Kingdom at the International Shinbudo Association Games in Belgrade ,Serbia on 21st February 2009.Shinbudo is a form of martial art. Hopefully Katie’s swimming training will be useful in building up her fitness for this event. Good luck, Katie, from everybody at Bobcats. Simon is distributing Information and entry forms for this meet. It is a quality meet in a modern pool with excellent facilities.There are events for all age groups so let’s get as many entries as possible and make it a special Bobcats weekend.
Broughton pool,Salford Another month,another Gala.This is a 'traditional' Bobcats event at a familiar venue.The season's getting going and all that training will be paying off in medals and PB's.Simon is distributing entry forms now.Our entry must be in by 2nd March so please get your forms back as soon as possible. January Swim Star and Awards Evening We held our first awards evening on 2nd January 2009 at Colne Cricket club. There was an excellent turnout given that we had probably all had enough of partying the last couple of weeks. We enjoyed supper, a quiz and raffle and presented the Swimmer of the year awards. The evening was topped off with the presentation to all swimmers of an individually named swim bag as a Christmas present and also a thank you for support. The evening was preceded by the Swim Star event at Colne Leisure centre. Steve Parry treated us to a thoroughly entertaining and interesting three hours. As well as a swimming workshop, he talked about his experiences in swimming as well as amusing us with stories about meeting the Queen and being mistaken for Michael Phelps in Beijing. Thanks to all concerned in organising the evening particularly Simon for booking Steve Parry, Sheila for sorting out Colne Leisure Centre, the Cricket club, the catering, the trophies and the gift bags,and Kath for the Quiz and raffle. But as Simon said in his speech, Bobcats isn’t just about the coaches and committee, it’s about all of us, swimmers and parents especially. So the biggest thanks is to everybody!
See photographs of the evening here.. Bobcats are to enter the National Swimming League.We will go in on the bottom rung,the Minor League.These are a series of galas that take place over three Saturdays in October,November and December.We will be competing against other clubs from the North-West of England.For an idea of how the league works and the sort of clubs we will be matched against go to the National Swimming League website. |
The event at the Aquatics was a great chance to see some of the world's swimming talent on our doorstep.Although the 'E-Stars'(a combined team of GB,German and Italian swimmers)were soundly beaten,they were up against the best.Picture is of Kerry Holding,who met Rebecca Soni,who had just broken 100m & 200m SC breaststroke world records.Kerry was thrilled when Rebecca presented her with her USA dressing gown.What a great souvenir!
Top international swimmer,Nick Gillingham OBE,will join us at our Sunday morning session on 29th November.In addition to this there will be an opportunity for 4 swimmers to have a one-to-one half hour session with Nick.(Please see Simon for details of this).Find out a bit about Nick 
One of our Masters swimmers, Mark Preston, is to take on one of the great sporting challenges, swimming the 
| Copyright ©2008 Burnley Bobcats ADM. All Rights Reserved. Web Design by Prospatek Ltd. |