District Swimming Gala 2003

Cheam Baths, with its 1930s structure and nicely preserved stained glass ceiling, was the location for the 2003 District Swimming Gala. The Team Manager, Esther Parks, fielded a team of 6 Cub Scouts and 4 Scouts against nine other groups.

3rd Stoneleigh got off to a very strong start winning the first four races: Cub Scouts breaststroke, backstroke (Patrick) and freestyle and Scouts under 13 breaststroke (Elliot). Obviously the family’s weekly swimming sessions were paying dividends.

When Jack took third place in the Scouts’ under 13 freestyle and we also took 3rd place in the Scouts under 15 medley relay, we thought we were sure of a good overall placing.

Unfortunately, at about this point our fortunes turned and although we did get a very close second place in the Cub Scouts breaststroke we fared less well in other finals and sadly failed to get into the top three groups overall.

After such a great start, it was a shame not to have come higher up the rankings but it was a good experience for all.