TAVISTOCK Swimming Club had a long coach journey to the second heat of the Speedo competition at the impressive Littledown Centre at Bournemouth on November 11. Other teams taking part were Bodmin, Bournemouth, Sid and Otter Valley, Trowbridge's Force 5 and Christchurch. Tavistock's Pete Freedman took first place in the men's open IM and led the men's open medley relay with Michael Best, Ross Williams and Chris Ralph to victory. Sam Campbell-Hingston won both the boys' U11butterfly and breaststroke, whilst Alexandra Stoecker came first in the girls' U11 freestyle in a personal best time. In the U15 age group, Ross Williams won the boys' butterfly and Kirsty Best took first place in the girls' breaststroke. Of the older swimmers, first places went to Pete Freedman in the men's open backstroke, Michael Best in the men's open breaststroke and Laura Radgick in the women's open freestyle. This gave an excellent total for Tavistock Swimming Club of ten first places while 20 personal best times were also achieved. Keiran Rookes swam for the club for the first time and was awarded 'Swimmer of the Gala' jointly with Josh Thackham. Tavistock Swimming Club members were praised by other Clubs' officials for their excellent behaviour and team spirit and for the warm support from family and friends in the gallery. Swimmers taking part (with number of personal bests in brackets) were: Charlotte Mellor (3), Will Carter (2), Josh Stephens (2), Alexandra Stoecker (2), Tom Waddington (2), Amy Warnett (2), Laura Aspen (1), Kirsty Best (1), Holly Brimble (1), Chloe Greep (1), Natalie Greep (1), Catriona Smith (1), Katie Stephens (1), Abigail Best, Michael Best, Teri Boka, Kameron Brimble, Sam Campbell-Hingston, Tom Crocker, Matt Edwards, Megan Fell, Pete Freedman, Sam Harmsworth, Chris Mills, Laura Radgick, Chris Ralph, Keiran Rookes, Kirsty Smith, Josh Thackham and Ross Williams. Anyone interested in joining the Club should contact Sheila Radgick on 01822 618272.
