Issue 324 – Lions’ swimmers go to great lengths for charity

OVER £9,000 is expected to be raised for local charities, thanks to swimmers taking part in the 27th Annual Lions Club of Frome sponsored swim. A total of 45 teams of swimmers took part this year, an increase from last year.

At the event, which was held at Frome Leisure Centre on 27th March, a distance of 2,224 lengths of the pool were recorded, approximately 70 miles in distance. Teams of six swimmers were pitted against the clock as they swam the most number of lengths in relay for 25 minutes.
Dan Norris, public relations officer for the Lions Club of Frome said, “As always, the atmosphere was fun, if tense, from the parade around the pool, to the start of the siren, with mostly occasional swimmers trying their hardest.
“A few teams turned up with one or two swimmers short of the six they could use; fortunately there are a few volunteers who help make up the numbers. James Short and Judy Chant were two who in particular should be mentioned for the many times they swam to help. In fact Judy has swum in this event for the last 18 years – what a lot of lengths that must be!
“This year the record for the number of lengths swam was broken by Warminster Swimming Club’s ‘A Team’, who swam 90 lengths, beating the last record of 88. Also the highest number of lengths swam by a non swimming club team was 73, by Action for Children.
“The teams swimming share the money raised on sponsorship between their chosen cause and the Frome Lions Charity Fund on a 50:50 basis. Causes vary, with amongst some standing to benefit, Cancer Research UK, a football tour of Holland for the Frome Collegians U13s, and the Mells Social Club for the Partial Sighted.
“The Lions give many thanks to Yeoman Asphalt Ltd for sponsoring the event, thereby covering the administrative costs and allowing the entire money raised to go to the worthy causes. Also, thanks must go to the many swimmers for their efforts, and to their sponsors for being so generous, all of which make this fun event so rewarding.
“A rough estimate of the money raised on the day is over £9,000, this will only go up with the addition of sponsorship forms not yet received, and Gift Aid which has not been calculated. We would like to urge teams to send in the sponsorship money by the 16th April.
“There is a presentation night which will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church Hall, Park Road on Friday 6th May at 7.30pm, when it is hoped that all teams will be represented. Light refreshments will be provided.”