JUL
07th
Each term our instructors nominate two children for their enthusiasm and achievement throughout the term. The Woolnough Trophy was donated to Water Lilies Swimming School in 2007 and we have awarded the trophy to one of our swimmers every term since. Winning the Trophy is a great achievement as we teach over 1,000 children.
We are delighted to announce the January–April 2014 term winner is Chloe Goodswen who swims with Water Lilies Swimming School in the Harleston pool. Congratulations Chloe!
Rhian Earrye, Chloe's instructor said:
"I nominated Chloe for her commitment and dedication to her swimming. From week to week Chloe remembers all teaching points and is keen to work hard and improve her swimming, proving herself as a great listener. She comes to classes with a positive attitude, setting an example to other members of the swim school. We are currently working towards her first Angelfish badge, having passed her Personal Survival with flying colours. An overall joy to teach."
The owner of Water Lilies Swimming School, Treacle Griffin, and Chloe’s instructor Rhian Earrye joined Hannah Cooke in presenting Chloe with her award during the school assembly on Friday. Chloe's Mum and Dad were there too - it was a great surprise! Picture coming soon...
Well done to all of the children who were nominated for the Woolnough Trophy - recognising their effort and achievement during the Spring 2014 term. We are delighted to announce the following children are runners up, congratulations to you all.
Edward King
Matthew Oakin
Leo Brooks
Ava McPhile
Amelie Brousson
Annabel Birtchnall
Oakley Palmer
Jennifer Allen
Leo Rowland
George Seaman
Holly Brice
Ella Devereux
Keeley Clarke
Iris Theobold
Charlie Barker
Louis Gardener
Jack Farrington
Violet Davies
James Newstead
Lucy Emsden
Ewan Staniforth.
JUL
07th
"I am 59 years old and a Father to three girls and a boy. I am also a Grandfather of two boys.
I was brought up in Chile, Trinadad and Singapore. I remember being taught swimming by a very large Australian called Johnnie Johnson. He as a teacher sowed the seed that has given me my love of swimming. It would be nice to be remembered for the same reason.
When I first qualified as an art teacher I taught at a special school in Guildford. They had a lovely swimming pool. As a staff we trained so that we could teach our own classes swimming. I loved it. I could see the children's confidence grow. Their progress was clear to see.
I have been teaching with Water Lilies Swimming School for about two and a half years now. I retrained as a swim teacher when I found out that the Middle School I taught at was going to be closed. I began covering the odd lesson while I was still teaching and have continued since.
I have a passion for anything swim, cycle or run and have competed in many triathlons, aquathlons, duathlons, swim and run events. In 2012, I qualified for - and competed - the World Duathlon Championships in Nancy, France.
I am very lucky to have the time to swim every morning at Beccles Lido. I still can't help but look at the other swimmers technique. Do all swimming teachers do this? I think so."
”Ironically I was the child in school who didn’t particularly want to go to swimming lessons. While all the others lined up excitedly I would rather stay in the classroom and draw!
I grew up very close to the beach in an hotel in Eastbourne and went with my family to Spain often. My friend’s mum taught me to swim in the sea. So although I had learnt to swim and enjoyed the pool, I didn’t enjoy the large classes and structure of school swimming lessons. Nor did I particularly like getting my face wet.
I moved to Suffolk when I was 20. When my eldest daughter was born 21 years ago I could not wait to take her swimming and she loved it. I have three children and regularly took them to the local pool. By this time, my parents were living in France so summer holidays were spent there and in the pool every day.
Six years ago I received a phone call from Treacle. We were friends already and she knew I was a competent swimmer and really enjoyed working with children. However it was a big surprise when she asked me if I fancied training as a swimming instructor. Immediately I agreed and started my training.
I am so lucky to have found a career that is so rewarding and I feel that my experience of swimming lessons as a child has made me a more sympathetic instructor. I love the fact that the Water Lilies Swimming School classes are small and building up a rapport with the children certainly contributes to their success. A lovely warm pool is an added benefit!
The water is a big part of my life now. I recently completed a 5K Swimathon for charity and still swim regularly with my grown up children. I even lifeguard alongside my son and he has recently qualified as an instructor so it has become a family affair.
I am looking forward to becoming a granny in a few years time and have already pledged to teach all my grandchildren to swim as it is such and important and pleasurable sport.”