Arfon Masters Open Gala, 26th September, 2009

Download Arfon Gala results

It was great to see both old friends and new at this year's Arfon Gala. Stu from Shrewsbury kindly stepped in to act as Chief Referee with  new faces, Rhiannon Edwards and Dafydd Jones also coming to help out and faces from last year Phil Cowell, Bronwen Poole and Marty. Many thanks to all the officials including Anthony, who would rather have been swimming but was lumbered with the job of Event Manager, and Mair who took over Colette's job as Announcer. It was a first time for both in these roles although you wouldn't have known it. Many thanks also to Jenny. It was great to see her again just a pity she couldn't come to the buffet. Colette managed to get the assistance of two ex-members to timekeep and Lesley's two daughters Branwen and Sam also came along to timekeep as did Lynne Stuart  (who should have been competing!) and Bridget Ripley. Trixie and John eventually got the computer to work and lastly thanks to Mabon for running around! Without their help the gala couldn't have taken place. Thanks also to Semantise for sponsoring the event.

There was a great turn-out from Arfon this year with 17 of us competing including newcomers to the club, Sean Grundy, Steven Wilson and Sam Davies. All three achieved fantastic results and enjoyed themselves in the process.

The team: Oggy, Steven, Sean, Gill, Stel, Christine,  Anthony, Allison, Lucy, Bridget, Sam, Jason, Colette, Mike Dilworth, Nefyn, Louise, Mair. Also competing were Lesley Williams, Mike Pepper and Claire Wilson. Thanks to all for helping the club retain the trophy.

Congratulations to Gill Windle on achieving a new Welsh record in 50m Free in the 45-49 age grp in a time of 30.72 and Stel Farrar for setting a new Welsh Record in 100m Backstroke in the 50-54 age grp in a time of 1:28.20 and in 100m Freestyle in a time of 1:13.33 (all to be confirmed). 

Etwall Eagles also had a great team and won the Visiting Club trophy. Below is the amazing Kathy Clapp (85 - 89 age grp) from Connahs Quay who established  the British record in 200 IM with a time of 6:41.69. An incredible performance.

Jason working hard at his backstroke!

This year, following the gala, there was a ceilidh and buffet. It gave everyone the opportunity to let their hair down and have some fun after the tense excitment of the gala.

Lucy Hale, Great North Run last week, this week a prize at the Arfon Gala! No wonder she's looking pleased! Mike Dilworth and Nefyn also amazed themselves by achieving individual medals for the first time in the Arfon Gala.

There was also the chance to catch up on gossip over some drinks!

And a chance to dance.

A chance to reflect on your day's performance!

Andy Waterhouse Our Coach is Back!!

In case you've forgotten who this is, it's Andy, our coach, who has now returned after a long absence of 4 months. He's been away gaining valuable new experience in Sheffield over the the summer and in August completed his Coach Level 2 qualification (funded by a Community Chest grant) and is now eager and enthusiastic to try out his new ideas on us!! After a quiet summer he's keen to re-energise the club and renew your enthusiasm for swimming. He'll be at the Bangor sessions on Tuesdays and Sundays and for those of you eager to compete he's there to help you achieve your top swimming performance in the forthcoming galas especially Shrewsbury in January and the Welsh Open in March. If you're unsure about technique, just ask his advice - that's what he's there for!