Shotley Peninsula Swimming Club toasts to 20 years

The Shotley Peninsula Swimming Club toasted the milestone with an anniversary party, held with its annual general meeting, at Shotley Village Hall on June 4.

More than 50 members past and present joined together at the gathering, which included a cutting of the cake by founding members Barbara Moore and Angela Fleming-Brown, along with buffet and drinks.

Members are from the peninsula and the surrounding area and are aged from 18 to over 80.

Gabrielle Francis, chairman of the club, said: "It was a lovely evening, and as a committee we have had quite a few thank yous from members who thoroughly enjoyed the event and the buffet we put on.

"It was our AGM, but it was a brief meeting, and we had time for a really good social.

Founding members Barbara Moore and Angela Fleming-Brown, founding members cut the celebration cake. (Image: Contributed)

"We've managed to keep going over 20 years, and we now have a committee, we've gone online, and we've gone from strength to strength. It was quite a celebration."

Ms Francis, who joined the club two decades ago along with partner Paul Janes, added: "It's a lovely community, and the turnout for an AGM was brilliant.

"The club is used by many to keep themselves healthy. We have women who swim through their pregnancies, and we have 80-year-olds."

Five sessions are held every week week on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, based at the swimming pool at Ipswich High School.

Some of the club's original members. Left to right: Paul Cooper, Barbara Moore, Alan Barker, Maureen Knights, Angela Fleming-Brown, Gabrielle Francis, Paul Janes. (Image: Contributed)

The non-competitive club involves lane swimming with fast, medium and slow lanes.

Swimming is overseen by qualified lifeguards and swimmers of all levels of ability are welcome.

Anyone interested in joining the club is invited to email admin@spsc.email for further details.