Hi all,

Well, not all members have been taking a winter sabbatical and a number of good results have been obtained.

A record 12 swimmers from Tuggeranong participated in the Bunbury Swim this year with club swimmers obtaining 3 first places on their Age Group. Congratulations to Brenda Day, Mandy Sheens and Suzie Gunning. Mandy was the fastest women overall which was pretty impressive given this was her first attempt at a competitive 400m in two of the three strokes. Anne Reid and Adrian were just beaten into second place and it was great to see a number of the Thursday morning swimmers enter this year. Congratulations to Mandy Coggins, Alix, Pauline, Maxine, Liz, Gillian and Jane for also taking up the challenge.

Four members have completed the Ripples challenge and the Baddaginnie Animal swim is still open until the end of September for those who wish to enter.

We should also acknowledge Richard’s achievements; he headed off to the Victorian State Championships last weekend and recorded a very credible 9 Gold medals from 9 events and the trophy for highest male points scorer.

Richard is not actually a member of the club yet but trains with us regularly – and, Hey, we are happy to take credit by association.

Upcoming Events

The ACT Long Distance Championships are, of course, happening on 9 September. Entries have in theory closed but if you speak nicely to Jane Lindsay I am sure she will take late entries for another few days. If competing over long distances is not your thing you might like to come down and help with the timekeeping. Our club is running the meet and all assistance will be appreciated. Contact Ann Reid if you can help or just turn up any time after 9.30am, the finishing time will depend on the number of entries but should be mid-afternoon.

The annual Tuggeranong Challenge will be held on Saturday 4 November. Please put this date in your diaries. For those new members this is the clubs own annual meet, it is a fun afternoon with some great prizes, which do not necessarily go to the fastest swimmers, it would be great to see all embers there.. The program will be out soon.

A number of members have indicated an interest in attending the NSW short course championships which will be held in Woy Woy on October 21 and 22. Entries close on 27 September so will need to be with Jeanette a few days before that. A notice will go up on the board for those that are interested and we may be able to arranged pooled accommodation and transport.

The National Swim will be held in Darwin in 2007. A number of club members enjoyed this year’s event so much they are considering making the trip north next year. As the National Swim is just prior to the Asian Games, accommodation in Darwin will be at a premium at this time, if enough people are interested there may be some advantages in looking at a group booking for accommodation and /or airfares. The club has also come into some unexpected money recently and if enough club members want to make the trip the club may be able to make some small contribution to accommodation or local transport. Please let me know or put your name on the board if you are interested.

Meetings

You all recently received a convening notice for a Branch Special General Meeting and AGM. This will be held at 5.00pm on Saturday 16 September at Olim’s Hotel. At this meeting there will be a vote to continue or dissolve the ACT Branch. At a recent Club meeting, those present confirmed the view that the most viable option for the 2 local clubs is to dissolve the ACT Branch and for the club to affiliate with another Branch, presumably NSW. In order to enact this decision a resolution to disband the branch must be past by an 80% majority at a specially convened General Meeting. This meeting has now been convened. It is therefore important that sufficient members attend to ensure the resolution is passed and this issue is put to rest. If you can make this meeting, please make the effort to do so and cast your vote.

A convening notice for the Club AGM will be sent out shortly. The meeting will be held at 7.00pm on Wednesday 27 September at The Town Centre Club. Depending on the outcome of the Branch AGM some significant decisions may need to be made on the future direction of our club. The meeting will be followed by dinner for those who wish to stay. on. Please show an interest in how the club is run and attend this meeting.

Social

A number of members have often expressed a desire for cross training - well now is your big chance. The club will enter a team(s) in the Canberra Times fun run/walk on 17 September, being tough souls we have opted for the 10km distance but believe me there will not be much running for some of us (although I understand much running from some,) if you wish to be part of the team can you give me signed copy of the entry form by this Thursday or fax me a copy on 6275 3507. Team entries must be submitted together by 1 September. I forwarded the web link for the forms last week.

It was great to see Jill Mortlock at training last week with her new ‘matching’ set of hips. She is looking well and is set to re-launch her swimming career back in Harvey Bay.

Remember Drinks at the Town Centre Club on the last Sunday of every month after training. Also we are on raffle duty roster at the Tuggeranong club again this Friday.

If you are looking for a drink on Friday night – and who isn’t - come to the Erindale club from 5.00pm and keep those members selling tickets company.

Happy Swimming

PS

Welcome back to Greg who has recently returned for a jaunt overseas and farewell to three other members who are about to leave. – Does anyone else think our members have far too much money??