Wimborne Wagtails
Swimming Club for the Disabled
Picnic at Shapwick
Over 20 Wagtails enjoyed a BYO picnic at Shapwick field after swimming. Luckily there was plenty of shade and a breeze as it was one of the hottest days of the year! Many chilled out with a drink or ice cream from the nearby Anchor Inn.
August 2022
Wareham River Boat Trip
August 2022
AGM
Our Annual General Meeting was held at Holt Village Hall on Friday 20th May. This was the first to be held as a social event for 2 years and it was lovely to see everyone socialising and enjoying a hot supper together. It was attended by over 30 members and their families. There was also a chance to buy a Wagtails T-shirt or polo shirt (which raised £26) and win a prize in the raffle (which raised £73).
The Trustees presented their reports and the swimming awards:
Rita's tribute to the winning swimmers can be read here.
This year's cup winners were:
"Young Swimmer" Luke O
Luke has swum with Wagtails for many years and loves his swimming particulary back stroke
Special mention to Oscar, Sam, Torin and Ru who all received a medal
"Volunteer Cup" Di and Ossie
Di & Ossie are such friendly and reliable volunteers who add to the welcoming
atmosphere at the Club
"Elsie Stone Cup" for a mature swimmer Wendy
Wendy has endured several operations and has kept on swimming to aid her recovery
"Endeavour Cup" for most improved swimmer" Harry
Harry has made enourmous strides and now swims 800m - 1000m each session ( up from 50m when he first started)
He loves front crawl and his swimming technique and water confidence have improved dramatically in his time with the Club and we are so pleased to have him amongst us
Special mention to Greg, Laura and Sarah M
"Endeavour Cup" for swimming through adversity" Sean
Sean is always smiling and cheerful although facing many challanges in his daily life
Julian welcomed everyone and thanked our wonderful swim helpers Rita, Di, Ossie and Michelle. He welcomed the many new swimmers since lockdown including Torin, Maggie, Polly, Harry & Oscar, Sean & Jackie (returning swimmers), Isaac, Charlotte, Ru, Jo & Rebecca, Tyler and Wendy. He explained that the situation with QE is still uncertain. The Club will be introducing distance awards starting in July for those who are interested.
Alex explained the latest accounts which showed a loss of £776. This was mainly due to no donations in the year or a sponsored event. The bank balance is high at £8,800 (this includes £2,119 in restricted funds for Galas, training and equipment). Due to the QE situation we need to keep reserves high but we aim to break even each year. Hence the need for a sponsored event later this year.
Sarah took over for the re-election of officers and all were re-elected after being proposed and seconded by the members. Julian - Chairman, Sarah - Vice Chair, Alex - Treasurer & Secretary, Ros - Safeguarding and David - PR.
Julian explained that the Club will be organising a sponsored event in September where each swimmer will have a personal target that they will be getting sponsors for. These lengths can be swum in the 4 weeks in September ending with a fun Gala day on the 24th September.
Ros spoke about the Club's latest social events planned (the boat trips) and thanked Alex for organising the event.
"We had such a lovely evening, the food was amazing! and it was just such a lovely relaxed evening and nice to get the chance to talk to everyone.
The boys were so proud of their awards and can’t wait for the next social and we’ve already booked onto the boat trip! "
May 2022
Spring Social at The Priest House
A very enjoyable social with over 25 Wagtails enjoying a light lunch, chat, tombola and bric a brac stall. These raised £70 towards our club so thank you to everyone who donated and supported the stalls.
April 2022
Xmas party
Our Xmas celebrations started with a fun swim with games and races at QE. This was followed by a party at Holt Village Hall with a delicious festive buffet. Over 30 Wagtails attended. There was a fun festive jumper competition won by Greg and a super raffle which raised £92. A game of skittles was enjoyed won by Jack with Lucy second.
This was also an opportunity to thank the swim helpers who were presesented with flowers and chocolates.
We said farewell to Liz who is retiring after 20 years service with the Club.
This is Rita's tribute:
Liz has been a stalwart helper for many years, and her reliability has been flawless. It is so nice to be able to rely on your fellow helpers to be there and to share the workload.
She has been managing the gala timings for years on end, and her meticulousness has been much valued by all the swimmers. Her precision is such an asset to the club. This combined with her kindness, her gentleness in her approach, the way she is so quietly spoken but gets things done all the same, is really remarkable. Her talents as a swimming teacher are also invaluable.
Liz is a remarkable person in every way. She has been there for all the swimmers and the fellow helpers, as well as a much-valued committee member.
To me as a fellow helper, she has been such an asset both because of her precision in the swimmers’ gala timings, her precision in running the rota, and her reliability. If she says she will be there, she will be there come what may. That is what the club needs to run effectively, kind and reliable helpers and Liz is certainly that. She has also kept a close eye on people’s welfare, by telephoning members, making sure they can attend the galas, making sure they are well, etc. She has been a stalwart over the years, and she has always been an excellent team member. Her organisational skills are much appreciated by all.
December 2021
Memorial Cream Tea for Elsie
Many Wagtails past and present attended the Memorial Tea at The Priest House in November to remember Elise who died earler this year. We shared our memories and enjoyed looking at Elsie's swimming memorabelia.
This was also an opportunity to thank Jacqui for her work at Wagtails including 3 years as Chairman.
November 2021
Cream Tea at The Priest's House
Our first social event since lockdown was very well attended and enjoyed by 26 Wagtails including their family and friends. The scones and cakes provided from Sorrels were absolutely delicious and thoroughly appreciated on the mild Autumn day. The raffle raised £28 and the sale of other items £26.
"It was great to see so many happy faces"
"Thank you Wagtails"
"I love it that socials are back again"
"A fab do it was perfect"
October 2021
Panto Jack and the Beanstalk
A group of 30 Wagtails and friends enjoyed the Panto visit to the Tivoli Theatre Wimborne in June 2021.
This was third time lucky for the annual panto trip due to COVID cancellations and they all enjoyed the event.
June 2021
Christmas Lunch at Bentleys
On Saturday 14th December Wimborne Wagtails held their annual Christmas Dinner in Bentley's Restaurant at Dudsbury Golf Course. The food was top quality as in previous years and Keith and Beryl did an amazing job organising it all. Sadly this will be their final year so new volunteers required for 2020!
Jacqui spoke of the Club's successful year and presented distance swim awards to Luke, Bob and Sarah M. Wine was handed out to all pool volunteers thanks to our photo competition win from Dorset Volunteering. Julian spoke about the 4 Galas Wagtails entered last year with news of our first ever Inter Club Gala held at Canford in March. Next year we will be again hosting this - so keep 21st March free.
There were a huge number of excellent raffle prizes won with the top raffle prize of a £100 voucher for a studio portrait session won by the Oliver family.
December 2019
AGM
The Annual General meeting was held at QE school after the swim session on 27th April 2019. This was attended by 36 members who enjoyed the free after swim lunch and raffle (which raised £31).
The Trustees presented their reports followed by the swimming awards:
This year's cup winners were Helen C "Endeavor", Sarah M "Endeavor", Ossie "Outstanding contribution" and Rita "Volunteer". There were also Wagtails medals for 2 junior swimmers Ben and Tilly for their swimming achievements .
Jacqui announced that the disabled swim session is to be extended by half an hour to 1pm, when there will be a chance to offer swimming lessons in very small groups. More details to follow.
Alex explained the latest accounts showing a small profit with a healthy bank balance of £11,000 with £5,000 left of the restricted funds. Continious fundraising is essential and various ideas were discussed.
Julian spoke about our 2 recent very sucessful Galas at Canford School showing the Club the top swimmers shield won by Robbie and also the Champions Cup Wagtails won at Sherborne last September.
Ros spoke about the Club's latest social events planned and the need to find more volunteers to enable the usual socials to continue.
April 2019
Skittles at Pamphill
A good turnout for this post Christmas event with 33 members attending and £32 profit from the raffle. The tasty buffet food was provided by Sorrells. After a "no balls" start to the evening skittles were played and won by Luke and Liz with Greg officiating. Thank you to Alex for organising.
February 2019
Christmas Lunch at Bentleys
On Saturday 15th December Wimborne Wagtails held their annual Christmas Dinner in Bentley's Restaurant at Dudsbury Golf Course. The food was top quality as in previous years and Keith and Beryl did an amazing job organising it all. Jacqui spoke of the Club's successful year with the aim of holding a Gala now a reality. She also thanked fellow committee members, swim teachers and swim helpers.
There were a huge number of excellent raffle prizes (won mostly by Mia!) and an amazing donated swimming cake. The top raffle prize of a Spa day pass at Dudsbury was won by Di Green.
December 2018
Christmas Pool Party
Great fun was had at this year's pool party after swimming last Saturday. Members and their families gathered to enjoy a buffet lunch, tombola and surprise game of pass the parcel. A fabulous turnout of festive jumpers resulted in a mini competition for the best one - well done to Greg and Alex! The tombola and sale of Wagtails merch' raised £33.
December 2018
Dolphin Boat trip
It was lovely weather for the 12 Wagtail's members who enjoyed a boat trip around Poole Harbour in the Dolphin III. Many thanks go to Helen B for organising the event this year.
August 2018
Tea & Cake at The Priest's House
After swimming on July 14th a group of Wagtails, most with our new Wagtails tee shirts on, went down to Waitrose to be officially presented with the £462 from the community green token scheme. See the fundraising page.
Then it was off to The Priest's House for tea and cake. It was such a beautiful day that we were able to enjoy sitting in the gardens first before enjoying our scones, tea and cakes.
Dave presented the final 2 cups from the AGM to Ros and Hayley. Details of the hydrotherapy session were also announced and newsletters handed out.
July 2018
AGM, buffet and skittles
The Annual General meeting was held at the Hamworthy Club on 5th May 2018.
The meeting was well attended by members who enjoyed a buffet. The Trustees then presented their reports followed by the swimming awards:
This year's winners were Rhymer "Male Endeavor", Ros "Female Endeavor" and Hayley "Olive Cup" for best helper. Jack also showed us his trophies, cup and medals he has won at Galas last year.
Liz was presented with a special award in recognition of 17 years service volunteering as a Swim instructor and Galas co-ordinator with the club. Jacqui received a plant to recognise and thank her for her first year as Chairperson and all she has achieved for the club in that short time.
The raffle followed with skittles (won by the ladies) rounding off the evening on a fun note. Thank you to all those who attended and donated a prize to the raffle which made £49.
May 2018
Panto Aladdin
20 Wagtails and friends enjoyed the annual Panto visit to the Tivoli Theatre Wimborne on 29th December.
"It was funny like a comedy but like a musical in other ways very different to the traditional disney Aladdin that everyone knows but still a very good story - all the Wagtails members and guests seemed to enjoy it dancing, singing and laughing along joining in with it.
Smiles were met all around the group showing that everyone was enjoying themselves which was great to see.
It's definitely a popular Xmas outing choice for Wagtails members as proven at the evening. We all enjoyed it which is the main thing seeing people with different disabilities coming together just being happy in themselves having fun and being part of the community"
Amy
December 2017
Xmas Lunch at Bentleys
On Saturday 16th December 2017, the Wimborne Wagtails held their Christmas Dinner in Bentley's Restaurant at Dudsbury Golf Course. The food was top quality as in previous years and Keith and Beryl did an amazing job organising it all. Special guests were Dame Annette Brooke and Mike Brooke, Tina Sartain and Chris from Douch & Small and Steve and Gemma from Co-op Wimborne.
After the meal presentations were made to the Co-op and Douch & Small for their generous donations to the Club. Jacqui spoke of the very successful year of fundraising and thanked fellow committee members, swim teachers and swim helpers.
The top raffle prize of a Spa day pass at Dudsbury was won by Jacqui - well deserved for all her hard work for the Club.
December 2017
Pool Party
December 2017
This Wagtails Christmas Pool Party was a chance for the members to have a fun festive celebration. The event was catered and organised by Robin and Alex and there were also fun and games in the pool before the buffet lunch. It was a great lead in to a hectic Christmas schedule including The Santa Run at Badbury Rings, the Christmas Dinner at Bentley's Restaurant and the panto at The Tivoli. We'll need to have some serious swimming in the New Year to burn off some of calories put on with all the eating and drinking!
Dave
BBQ, quiz and darts
This was hosted by Viv at the Cross Keys Mannington with the usual tasty BBQ food.
Keith organised a quiz which was won by the Philip, Helen and Brian. Darts was also enjoyed by the Wagtails. Overall a good night.
July 2017
Wareham Boat Trip
"We embarked on the Dolphin Disability boat at Poole Quay just opposite the Thistle Hotel. At first I thought the club had won the lottery and was taking us out on one of the massive Sunseekers there. Then I saw our boat moored up along side!
It was an ideal day for weather - sunny, with a gentle breeze, so not too hot. There was a good turn out of club members and one dog! (Di's Hector). There was the normal attentive treatment of club by the volunteers who are in charge of things. We were surprised at the number of boats that were along the river as we slowly made our way up to Wareham. When we first entered the river I was amazed at the different view of Hamworthy and the development around the area. After a pleasant trip we moored up in the town, near to the bridge. The crew took our orders for fish and chips and went off to get our lunch. When had finished it was back home to the quay. A big thank you to Keith and Beryl for organising it all. Thanks also to the Dolphin boat and their helpful crew."
Dave
June 2017
Cream Tea at Walford Mill
This was a new venue for the Wagtails and proved very popular. The scones were delicious – best ever. We even managed to sit outside which was good going considering our British weather.
May 2017
AGM, supper and skittles
The Club’s AGM, held at Hamworthy Club, was well attended with 44 members and friends enjoying the evening. This year it was food first before getting down to business. David welcomed everyone and summed up the past year for the Club - now thriving, strong and happy with 18 new members last year. The Club now has a strong team of helpers including Rita back after 10 years and Jacqui with very strong swimming and training experience. The cups were presented to Sam, Di and Emma for their achievements in the year. This was followed by the ever-popular raffle and skittles - won by Greg.
April 2017
Panto Sleeping Beauty
This annual event at The Tivoli Wimborne was thoroughly enjoyed by the Wagtails who attended.
December 2016
Xmas Lunch at Bentleys
On Saturday 10th December 2016, the Wimborne Wagtails held their Christmas Dinner in Bentleys Restaurant at Dudsbury Golf Course. As ever it has proved a great venue for this event. A large room specifically allocated to our club – with over 50 attending. Great hot food, efficiently served by attentive staff. Guests of honour were Dame Annette Brooke, our Honorary President and Councillor Mike Brooke. There were some old and familiar faces which were pleasing to see: Rusty and Josh. Unfortunately, our Chairman, Steve Evans was unable to attend due to ill-health. As ex-chairman Dave was bought in at late notice off the substitute bench to conduct proceedings for the day.
The event was greatly enjoyed by all who attended particularly those who won a prize at the popular raffle. Many thanks to Keith and Beryl for organising this event and for those that helped on the day.
December 2016
Pool Party
The pool party after the last swim of the year was a great success this year and very well attended. The shared lunch went down very well and this year some delicious home-made cakes and sweet items with a Christmas theme were entered into a competition. All entries won a commendation with first prize going to Beryl and Gemma for their Christmas trees and snowmen. Special mention also to Sam for his delicious chocolate cake.
There was entertainment from Helen with her magic tricks and Di on her ukulele. Other activities were a Xmas tombola and a face painter. All Wagtails left with a free promotional gift to round off a great party.
December 2016
Skittles at The Coach & Horses
This proved to be a fantastic evening which was enjoyed by over 50 members and friends of Wimborne Wagtails making it one of the most popular social events ever for the Club.
The evening started with a delicious meal at the Coach & Horses in Wimborne and then it was on to the Skittle Alley for more serious business.
It was brilliant to see that so many people wanted to take part and enjoy a bit of healthy competition.
However, that wasn’t the only competition of the evening, there was also a Guess the Baby Photo Competition.
Skittles was a very close result with Rebecca taking the lead, closely followed by Tom and Greg.
The top scorers in the baby competition were Laura, Tom, Greg and Lucy. The bonniest baby (as judged by Elsie) was Tom. So Tom was definitely the man of the evening.
The feedback from everyone who attended was brilliant and a huge thank you to Keith and Beryl for organising such a great evening.
Rebecca
October 2016
Farm Visit and Cream Tea
