Witney News - Swimming Club recognised for commitment to members

Swimming Club recognised for commitment to members

Witney MP, the Rt Hon David Cameron, has presented a certificate to Witney and District Swimming Club in recognition of its high standard of teaching and dedication to members.

Mr Cameron visited the District Council-owned Windrush Leisure Centre to present the club with the Amateur Swimming Association (ASA) ‘Swim 21’ certificate for ‘Teaching and Skill Development’.

He also helped to unveil a new poolside banner which recognises the leisure centre, in Witney, as the club’s home since 1975. During his visit, he was given a swimming demonstration by some of the club’s younger members.

Mr Cameron said: “I am a great supporter of the local leisure centres and a frequent user of the pool at Chipping Norton Leisure Centre. It’s wonderful to see the dedication of the Swimming Club here in Witney and I have been impressed by the enthusiasm of members, particularly the younger ones I have met during my visit.”

Witney and District Swimming Club has been running successfully at The Windrush for 34 years and has 150 members, from 6 years of age. The club uses the leisure centre’s swimming pool every week day morning for training, as well as some evenings. From September, it will also use the District Council-owned Carterton Leisure Centre.

Club Chairman Linda King said: “We wanted to put up a banner to let everyone know that The Windrush is the club’s home because there’s not been anything to say we are based at the pool until now. We were absolutely delighted that David Cameron agreed to come and help us to unveil the banner and present our Swim 21 certificate, of which we’re really proud.”

The ASA is England’s governing body for swimming and Swim 21 is its quality mark, given to clubs that have demonstrated commitment to providing safe, effective and quality services for their members.

Cllr Hilary Biles, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Tourism and Health at West Oxfordshire District Council, said: “Witney & District Swimming Club provides a good service for the people of West Oxfordshire and is extremely dedicated to its members. The Council is pleased that the club has run so successfully at The Windrush Leisure Centre. We are committed not only to providing quality leisure facilities like The Windrush, but also to supporting clubs like this which provide opportunities for people to get involved in physical activity and pursue their interests in sport.”

To find out more about Council-owned leisure facilities in West Oxfordshire visit www.westoxon.gov.uk or call 01993 861080. For more information about Witney and District Swimming Club, visit www.witneyanddistrictsc.co.uk