Grantham Swim Club marks a century with celebration, highlighting its community impact.
The club operates six days each week and uses the Meres Leisure Centre on Trent Road. Volunteers run the group, welcoming swimmers of all ages, from kids as young as seven to adults in their 80s.
The club has about 170 swimmers, and around 380 parents and guardians are involved. Coaches and volunteers number between 30 and 40, forming the swimming community.
Christian Gleave, the chairman, says community is very important to the club. He’s been with them for four years, noting the great effort volunteers, children, and parents put in weekly.
Rita Baxter, who won a cup in 1960, is one of the club’s oldest members. The club helps kids develop valuable skills such as confidence and social skills.
The club is valued in Grantham due to its long history. Christian is proud of the club’s heritage and noted that the club has come far in 100 years.
The club caters to all swimming levels, welcoming new swimmers and high-level athletes alike. Some swimmers train for 14 hours each week, while others might only swim one hour.
Freya Colbert, a successful former member who went to the Kesteven and Grantham Girls school has competed at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
John Allan, head of development, has been with the club for 15 years. He has seen the club grow stronger over time and helps young people develop in the sport.
James Stannard, the head coach, thinks the club’s standard improved since he joined in 2020. The club won the county championships this year.
The club wants to stay prominent and aims for success within Lincolnshire too. John wants it to be inclusive and competitive, hoping to help swimmers reach the Olympic standard.
Christian says the club has many young swimmers who are the next generation. He wants Grantham to become a swimming hub.