Swimming Report (1969)

As usual the School was dependent upon invitations from others for participation in Galas: only two were forthcoming last year.

In October, we went to Ealing Baths, whose cramped confines became an inferno of noise and excitement. The School team emerged, very creditably, in third place behind Alleyne's and Ealing Grammar out of five competing schools. Then, in January, we made the long journey over to Dulwich, in the rush hour, and arrived at Alleyne's magnificent pool over an hour late. The home School then proceeded to put us firmly in our place by winning every age-group except the senior, which ended in a tie. Nevertheless it was a valuable experience and a very enjoyable occasion.

At the Borough of Hillingdon Inter-Schools' Gala, we lost the first-year Trentham Trophy to a very strong Barnhill quartet, but won in all the other groups and therefore also won the Cup.

1969 sees the departure from school swimming of H. Oliver, the captain, and D. Lewis. Although they must have regretted that their sport was only a minor one at St. Nicholas, they always gave full support to every gala we swam in - don't remember either of them missing one during six years - and set a fine example to the younger swimmers at all times. The school will miss their contribution badly.

P. J. CAHILL