Category: Masters Swimming

Farewell John ‘Shakey’ Lake


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

Government confirms clubs will not be affected by new restrictions


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.”

Penguin goes virtual


Masters Swimming, Uncategorized, Water Polo

The pools have closed so Penguin training has gone virtual.

Hillingdon Penguin water polo coaches are keeping in touch with players in their various teams, offering fitness workouts, fun challenges and Zoom* sessions to keep spirits up.

Screen shots of Penguin online sessions

Head Water Polo Coach Claudio Palumbo and his team at Latymer Penguin have just launched strength and conditioning six days a week. These mixed sessions are for U12s, U14s, U16s and senior members, with some dedicated times for junior girls and senior women.
These workouts are open to ALL members of Penguin. To participate contact Junior Water Polo Latymer via the Contact Us page.

Our masters swimmers are also keeping fit via Zoom with a weekly strength and conditioning workout and a midweek stretch class. On Friday nights they swap the physical for the social with a post swimming pub night – without the swimming and with the pub, of course!

 

*Zoom: a cultural reference

Not so long ago, and for those old enough to remember, Zoom was a rocket-shaped ice lolly first sold in 1962 and a song released in 1982 by Fat Larry’s Band. Since the lockdown for Coronavirus COVID-19 in March 2019 it’s become a household name for getting people together.

 

update #2: coronavirus COVID-19


Masters Swimming, Water Polo

Sadly we are now suspending Penguin swimming and water polo training until further notice.

Swim England’s latest statement says:

“Having further reviewed the guidance, it is Swim England’s interpretation that club activity falls into the ‘public gathering’ category and therefore it is strongly advising clubs to consider cancelling or postponing activity – including events – until the end of May.”

Swim England statement regarding coronavirus outbreak

 

We are very much looking forward to starting our activities again at the first opportunity. Take care, and do not hesitate to get in touch with other Penguins on WhatsApp or email, if you need anything, such as talking about front crawl technique, the ideal ball pressure, gossip, or other silly stuff.

Please bear with us while we work through the financial implications of the situation in relation to your subscription payments.

If you have questions please contact your relevant team manager : Sue, Claudio, Emma, Grimbo or Johnny.

Best wishes

Louis

Louis Lemieux
President, West London Penguin Swimming & Water Polo Club