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Our polo coach and ex captain was the mighty Freddy (scourge of the Nazi’s) Colclough. “All those with an asterisk, including myself were regular Smethwick SC 1st team polo players. “JKH Brown was by far the best all round swimmer leaving Frank and myself (Staffordshire 100 yard Champ circa 1953) trailing.” It could be for swimming or polo as there are not enough members in the photo to make up either squad.”

Mr Brian Sadgrove, a former swimmer of the above era recalls: The Men: Herbert (Bert) Crowther, Douglas Edmonds* dec, John Pool* dec, Arther Howel*, Barry Smith (Back stroke), John Kenneth, Hodgekin Brown (Half miler), Bernard Hill* (polo capt) dec, Bert Owen dec, Frank Akers (Staffordshire 100 yard Champ circa 1952). The ladies Left to right front row: Pat Hawkins, Pam Wildman Joan Cawfield, Ruby Hall Barbara Persall (Maybe Pierceall?), Bert Owen (swimming coach and gymnast), Barbara Woodfield (?). Throughout the 50’s under coach Bert Owen, 60’s, 70’s and 80’s, under coaches Andy Wilson and Bernard Charles, Warley WASPS dominated the Midlands top competitions and proved year after year they were one of the premier clubs, not just in the Midlands, but in the country. The club has enjoyed much success throughout its’ 135+ year history, from local success through to Olympic success and representation at GB level at water-polo, both junior and senior level.

#Tim wilson look up lodge sc professional

Initially, club membership was open to men only but membership was soon open to ladies as well, although it took until 1911 for the first mixed swimming gala to be held.Īn extract from the original rules of Smethwick Swimming Club gives its objective as being “to promote the art of swimming, floating, diving and plunging.” Smethwick Swimming Club always took seriously its responsibility for providing swimming opportunities for its members and a professional instructor, Mr A Sheldon, was first engaged in 1903. Both Mr Mitchell and Mr Butler were active members of the Smethwick Club Committee. In the early years, Smethwick Swimming Club was strongly connected with Mitchells and Butlers whose own swimming club functioned as a sub-section of Smethwick Swimming Club. The water polo section was formed in 1895 and by the end of the century was winning honours in the newly formed Birmingham and District Water Polo League. Smethwick Swimming Club quickly became an important part of the sporting scene within the area and by 1900 had become part of the Smethwick Recreative and Athletic Association (SR & AA).

Warley amateur swimming club was founded with the opening of Rolfe Street Baths on 7th May 1888 and following a public meeting that month, Smethwick Swimming Club was formed and the first general meeting held on June 18th 1888. The WASPS Story can be found on ‘Statement and Blog Update’ page.