Training times (LW = Leisure World, G = Garrison)
Temporary changes, for example reduced summer schedules and pool closures, will appear on the home page
Beginners & Improvers |
WED |
6.00 - 7.00pm |
(G) |
|
FRI |
6.00 - 7.00pm |
(G) |
Stroke Improvers |
As Beginners & Improvers |
Junior |
WED |
7.00 - 8.00pm |
(LW) |
|
FRI |
6.00 - 7.30pm |
(LW) |
Intermediate |
MON |
5.00 - 6.30pm |
(LW) |
- (Minimum: 3 sessions) |
WED |
7.00 - 8.00pm |
(LW) |
|
FRI |
6.00 - 7.30pm |
(LW) |
|
SUN |
8.00 - 9.00am |
(LW) |
Senior |
MON |
6.00 - 7.30am
& 5.00 - 6.30pm |
(LW) |
- (Minimum: 3 sessions) |
TUES |
6.00 - 7.30am
& 5.00 - 6.30pm |
(LW) |
|
WED |
6.00 - 7.30am |
(LW) |
|
THUR |
6.00 - 7.30am
& 5.00 - 6.30pm |
(LW) |
|
FRI |
6.00 - 7.30am
& 7.00 - 8.00pm |
(LW / G) |
County |
MON |
6.00 - 7.30am
& 5.00 - 6.30pm |
(LW) |
- (Minimum: 4 sessions) |
TUES |
6.00 - 7.30am
& 5.00 - 6.30pm |
(LW) |
|
WED |
6.00 - 7.30am |
(LW) |
|
THUR |
6.00 - 7.30am
& 5.00 - 6.30pm |
(LW) |
|
FRI |
6.00 - 7.30am
& 7.00 - 8.00pm |
(LW / G) |
|
SUN |
8.00 - 9.00am
(temporary session) |
(LW) |
Masters |
TUES |
7.00 - 8.00pm |
(G) |
|
THUR |
6.00 - 7.00pm |
(G) |
|
SUN |
8.00 - 9.00am |
(LW) |
Water Polo |
TUE |
9.00 - 10.00pm |
(LW) |
Life Saving |
TUE |
5.00 - 6.30pm |
(LW) |
 <>Fees
Squad structure
We operate a progressive squad structure. Swimmers in the younger squads develop their stroke technique, improve their stamina and speed, whilst working towards achieving ASA
Speed Awards at regular time trials. The criteria are based on ASA A and B graded times, which will be displayed on the notice board and available on the club website. Additionally,
a standard time for our distance test sets has been put in place for each squad to ensure that all squad members have the necessary endurance to cope with the training load for the
squad in question.
Below is a guide to the MINIMUM requirements for squads, all moves will be strictly by approval of the Joint Chief Coaches. If a squad is full, movement into the squad will be
restricted and at the discretion of the Joint Chief Coaches. All swimmers in Junior squad and above must be prepared to represent the club at competitions and compete at club
championships and have ASA registration. Michelle Young and Ian Johnson joint chief coaches, Nov 2007.
Beginners
& Improvers |
Swimmers progress through a graded structure with awards for ability and distance. Lessons to ASA standards. (Minimum age 5) |
Stroke Improvers |
Swimmers develop their stroke technique in preparation for entering the Club's Competitive section. |
Junior
(2007 criteria) |
For swimmers aged 12 or under at the end of the current calendar year. Exceptionally older swimmers may be accepted at the discretion of the Joint Chief
Coaches. See also * below. |
Intermediate
(2007 criteria) |
For swimmers aged between 9 & 13 at the end of the current calendar year. Exceptionally swimmers outside this age range may be accepted at the discretion of
the Joint Chief Coaches. See also * below. |
Senior
(2007 criteria) |
For swimmers aged between 11 & 17 at the end of the current calendar year. Exceptionally swimmers outside this age range may be accepted at the discretion of
the Joint Chief Coaches. See also * below. |
County
(2007 criteria) |
For swimmers aged 12 or over at the end of the current calendar year. Exceptionally younger swimmers may be accepted at the discretion of the Joint Chief
Coaches. See also * below. |
Masters |
For older swimmers (16+) who still wish to train and compete in sport. 1+ sessions per week expected. |
Water Polo |
Training and regular competition in County leagues. Both junior and senior levels. |
Life Saving |
For swimmers who wish to achieve Bronze Medallion Standard and Life Support Awards. |
|
* Squad criteria 2007/8
Graded tables (1.5Mb download) |
<> Training Times
Quarterly fees (April 2008)
The following fees are subject to a late payment fee of £10 per person if not paid by the 15th of the month in which due. To make life easier and avoid forgetting, why not pay by
standing order in future? E-mail the membership secretary for details.
Improvers |
£37 (per term - normally 10 weeks) |
Junior |
£66 |
Intermediate |
£96 |
Senior |
£112.50 |
County |
£118.50 |
Masters |
£69 |
Water Polo |
£57 |
Junior Polo |
£price on application |
Lifesaving |
£31.50 (per term) |
Supporters |
£15 annual (just £5 before 30th June) |
Family & combination discounts available on request |
ASA Category 2 & 3 Registrations extra |
<> Squad structure <> Training Times
Time trials
These are held at Leisure World every 8-10 weeks, for our emerging squads. Watch the Club notice board at the Pool for details. Please make every effort to attend, as it is important
that we have up to date times to aid selection for Galas. There will normally be the opportunity to swim for Bronze, Silver and Gold speed awards (according to ASA times) over 25m
and to gain personal times over 50m.
Supporters' section
The Supporters' Section organises various social events throughout the year and provides invaluable help in all areas of the running the Club. The Section runs a Club Shop, from
which a wide variety of swim wear and accessories is available at discount prices to the shops. Club branded wear is also available. There are many jobs where an extra pair of
helping hands makes the Club run that bit more smoothly. If you wish to help, in whatever way, please e-mail the Supporters' secretary.
The early years
In Spring 1884 a number of leading business and professional Gentlemen of Colchester met at the Red Lion Hotel and decided on the formation of Colchester Swimming Club. That
summer, a swimming competition was organised in the Public Bathing Place between the banks of the River Colne near North Station.
All the events were scratch races, and during the evening the Band of the Colchester Volunteers played for the competitors and spectators. The Mayor presented the prizes. In
August 1884 a second competition was held which was to be the inauguration of an Annual Festival. A Life Saving Section was also established, which became very popular.
"Come on in - the water's lovely!"
From 1884 to 1932 all events and competitions against other clubs took place in the River Colne. Being river water the temperature at times was quite cold, and in times of drought the
water level was very low, but these circumstances did not deter the enthusiasm of the Members.
During these years canvassing was carried out for a covered indoor pool, but the Club and people of Colchester had to settle for the next best thing, an open air pool sited on the old
bathing place, which was opened in 1932.
The "new" open air pool
"Please would spectators NOT run onto the pitch at the end."
A grand opening Gala was held, with swimmers coming from all over England. The programme for this event, which is held in the Club archives, mentions many names still well
known in business and the professions in the Town. The gala attracted a crowd of 1,700 people!
The Membership of the Club had fallen to 27 as the idea of swimming in the River Colne became less attractive, but within 2 years of the outdoor pool opening this figure had risen to
243 which created a number of problems for both the Club and competitive swimmers.
"Oi, Ref - stop putting your oar in!"
The new pool was shaped like an egg and only the middle section could be used for competitions! This section was 55 yards long and races had to be judged by officials standing
some distance away from the swimmers. Water Polo matches were refereed from a boat.
During the era of the outdoor pool the Annual Festival and Inter Club Galas continued and the East Anglian Swimming League was formed. An arrangement with the Local Education
Authority enabled children from local schools to attend the pool on Monday evenings for tuition by Club Members.
"And the award for the wettest swimmer goes to..."
In the latter part of the evening, races for both male and female members were held, points being awarded for entering the events, and resulting finishing positions. A trophy was
awarded at the end of the season, to the swimmer gaining most points. Water Polo was also included in the evening's activities, so Monday became the Club night up to the start of
the Second World War.
One of the highlights in the swimming world during this period was the annual Long Distance Race between the Hythe and Wivenhoe, which took place in the River Colne. This
event was open to males and females and covered a distance of approximately 2.5 miles.
"Can you throw in a couple of floats, Coach? Aaarg!"
In 1934 the Club was able to obtain the services of a professional coach, and training under her direction took place on Sunday mornings and afternoons. Obviously at that time the
present day floats were not available, so the heavy duck boards from the changing rooms were used instead.
The Social side of the Club was very active and to generate funds monthly club dances were held, which were very popular. They continued until the first year of the war, when the
profits were donated to troop comforts and the local hospital. Until after the war, the Office of Club President was held by the sitting Mayor of Colchester. Since then (until 1990) the
President has been the MP for Colchester.
"It ain't half hot, mum!"
In 1953 the Colchester Garrison pool was converted into a larger indoor heated pool. It was opened primarily for the use of troops but eventually outside organisations were allowed
access, and the Club were allowed Friday evenings for their training sessions.
The rest, as they say, is History....but can anyone bring us further up to date?
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