A Brief 25 year History of

Linslade Crusaders Swimming Club.

 

Crusaders Swimming Club was first established as a result of an attempt to form a training squad for committed swimmers in the South Beds area. A committee was formed and a small amount of water time was obtained from Tiddenfoot centre and a list of 50 swimmers was drawn up, this was all on a trial basis to begin with the cost of the pool being paid from the swimmers own pockets.

 

An identity had to be given to the squad and it was named from a list of British battle tanks, this was for no apparent reason only to create a name in a hurry. All this happened in 1982.

 

The first squad had success from the start with four swimmers in the first year making national qualifying times, and other clubs in the area coming along to train as guests.

 

After a period of time a number of swimmers left to go to work or University etc and because of this the squad had found it could no longer pay it’s way. It was decided in an effort to attract more swimmers to use one lane of the pool for improvers, for a while this brought in enough funds to continue but again the numbers began to fall. It was decided to use a second lane and bring in some more improvers, it was this event combined with a small error that led to the formation of Linslade Crusaders Swimming Club.

 

When the advertisement for teaching improvers was placed it forgot to say “improvers”, there was a massive response with 150 applications in the first two weeks, most which were from beginners, this was mainly because at the time most swimming clubs did very little teaching, leading to an over demand for swimming lessons which the local leisure centres could not accommodate.

 

Unfortunately the newly formed club was not ready for such a massive intake of swimmers, and with only four instructors and very little water space the swimmers were initially turned away. Eventually it was decided to forgo the normal August closure and invite all 150 swimmers for a four-week series of learn to swim lessons, everyone helped out and each applicant had four lessons. The normal swim squad returned to normal at the end of August.

 

Much gratitude was expressed to the club from the parents and the swimmers that swam that summer, but with much cause for concern that so many swimmers were being denied the opportunity to swim the club decided to grasp more water time at the nearby Lewsey pool in Luton.

 

All the parents of the initial beginners were called to a meeting and explained that the club could continue teaching the children but only with their help, everyone was offered help with teaching and from this came the Crusaders Self Help Learn to Swim scheme, which eventually grew to the club in it’s present day.

 

After this important development in the early days of the club the numbers grew to 450 members it was then felt necessary for the club to be affiliated, after 18 months the club was recognised and affiliated to the Midlands District A.S.A.

 

Linslade Crusaders Swimming Club has evolved over the years into a Friendly family club offering swimming to a wide range of swimming abilities. From learn to swim to competitive levels including national events, all the help is voluntary and all our teaching staff are qualified to ASA standard. We run session every day of the week, and on Sunday’s two sessions, these are in local pools in MK, Hemel, Tring, Houghton Regis, Aylesbury and at our home pool Tiddenfoot. Much time and effort is devoted by the parents of the swimmers past and present to ensure these timetables are arranged.

 

2007 is our 25th Birthday year and we are proud to be able to still serve the local community to help everyone reach there true potential in swimming. If your not already helping us along and want to get involved why not ask one of the committee members or Teachers and join in with us in this 25^th Anniversary Year.