Blog – West London Penguin

Farewell John ‘Shakey’ Lake

15 March 20219 April 2021
History, Masters Swimming, Penguin members, Water Polo

We are sad to say goodbye to John ‘Shakey’ Lake who passed away on Sunday 14 March 2021.

John Lake raising a glass during his presidential speech at a Penguin Club Dinner — John ‘Shakey’ Lake, as President at a Penguin Dinner.

Shakey was one of the most popular of our members ever.

As a teenager, he started his water polo career with Sutton and Cheam but very soon moved to Penguin. He remained a member for over 60 years during which time he served as Club Captain and as President. His contribution to the Club as a swimmer, player, coach, and Committee member was exceptional and, in recognition of this, he was elected as a Life Member.

Shakey became known throughout the swimming and water polo world not only for his skill as a coach but also for his very likeable personality. He was an excellent raconteur and always fun to be with and played a major role in solidifying the Club through challenging times.

As a masters swimmer Shakey was a European backstroke champion and record holder. Even at the age of 80, he was a very energetic, dedicated, passionate, and inspiring coach.

RIP Shakey. You will not be forgotten and we send our love to Joan and your family.

Celebrate Shakey’s life

Please share your memories and photos of Shakey via this link: https://www.kudoboard.com/boards/p5SHA1uj

Nilo Falcini RIP

27 December 202028 December 2020
History, Water Polo

We are sad to learn of the passing of Nilo Falcini who died on 5 November 2020, aged 82.

Nilo Falcini with London League team mates — Nilo wearing his goalkeeper red cap after an Over 40s London Water Polo League match.

Nilo joined Penguin in the 1970s and, while his son played in our junior team, Nilo was a first class goalkeeper and mainstay for our men’s second water polo team. His fellow teammates recall that he was very well-liked, always dependable, generous and kind to all.

Nilo Falcini in goal at Penguin summer party in 2005 — Nilo in goal at the Penguin summer party at Hampton Open Air Pool in 2005.

Nilo was Club Captain in 1984, and won the Rob Derbyshire Trophy in 1991 and 2006 in recognition of the credit he had brought to the Club.

Nilo served on the Penguin Committee for many years with a stint as Club Treasurer from 2009-12.

Nilo Falcini water polo retirement — Nilo on his retirement from water polo after his final game for Penguin second team.

Even when he moved to Devon in 2012 he retained his connection with the Club as the Auditor for our accounts until the start of this year. He was a Penguin Vice President and Life Member.

Nilo Falcini receiving over 40s best player award in 2010 — Nilo receiving the award for Best Over 40s Player from President and teammate Dave Bryan at the Penguin Dinner in 2010.

Our condolences to Nilo’s partner Ruth and his family.

Lize wins the Jack Petchey Achievement Award for June 2020

15 November 202015 November 2020
Award, Water Polo

While pools were closed due to COVID 19, from May to August the Hillingdon Penguin water polo coaches ran many strength and conditioning sessions over Zoom. So when we came to make the Petchey Achievement Award it seemed only fitting that it should go to our most enthusiastic Zoom participant: Lize.

Lize attended a record number of the training sessions, and always tried her hardest. Ever cheerful and enthusiastic, she was altogether a bright spark on the screen. Thank you Lize, we think you’re amazing.

Lize’s mum was sworn to secrecy so that coach Shaun Hill could make a surprise presentation of the Award during one of the sessions, with her under-15 team-mates watching online.

Lize with her Jack Petchey Award for June 2020

We are grateful to the Jack Petchey Foundation for their support.

Government confirms clubs will not be affected by new restrictions

10 September 202010 September 2020
Masters Swimming, Water Polo

Good news from Swim England received today, 10 September 2020:

Swim England chief executive Jane Nickerson has expressed her delight that clubs and lessons will not be affected by new restrictions on the numbers of people allowed to meet up.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson yesterday announced that social gatherings of no more than six people will be allowed indoors or outdoors from Monday 14 September to help curb the spread of Coronavirus.

Mr Johnson said in his speech that ‘COVID-secure venues like places of worship, gyms, restaurants and hospitality venues can still hold more than six people in total – but groups must not mix socially or form larger groups’.

The Government has now confirmed to Sport England that organised sports and activities which have been through return to play protocols will be allowed to continue as before.

Swim England has published detailed guidance for the safe use of swimming pools, which has been used by facilities across the country.

Jane said: “This is excellent news.

“We expected this would be the case when the announcement was made by the Prime Minister but wanted to confirm before updating our affiliated clubs, members, coaches, teachers and swim schools.

“Club activity and swimming lessons will be able to continue as previously as they are taking place in Covid-secure environments – but they must continue to adhere to our Returning to the Pool guidance.

“All other pool activity operating within the Swim England guidelines can also continue but people should not travel to pools socially in groups of more than six.

“We’d also encourage everyone to follow the latest advice from the Government and wear face coverings where necessary and ensure you maintain social distancing and good hand hygiene at all times.

“Obviously, there are a number of pools across the country that are still closed due to financial reasons and we will continue to lobby the Government for the vital support they need to open their doors once again.”

RIP Derek Roberts and Malcolm Webster

27 June 202028 December 2020
Penguin members

We have received sad news about two former Club members.

Derek Roberts

Past President Derek Roberts passed away on 18 June 2020 following a stroke.

Derek joined Penguin Swimming Club, as it was then called, in the 1950s and was an active water polo player for many years. He became Club Captain in 1972 and in later years he served on the Committee and was Club President for three years from 1993.

Photos of Club memners with their trophies from about 1961. — Derek Roberts and the rest of Penguin Swimming Club in about 1961.

Members who knew Derek remember his kind and calm nature while supporting the running of the Club, and his guardianship of Penguin history and traditions.

Derek will be missed by his many Penguin friends and we send our thoughts and best wishes to his wife Jan and his family.

Malcolm Webster

Malcolm Webster passed away from Coronavirus COVID-19 on 16 April 2020.

Malcolm played for the Club during the 1970s. His strength was swimming rather than water polo and he competed at County and National level. He was a bright, lively fun loving character who will be sadly missed.

Our condolences to his wife Hilary and his family.