Kingsley's Kapers 2026
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July 4th
Exciting Progress Behind the Scenes
Hello everyone! It’s Kingsley, sorry I haven't been poolside lately but I’m excited to share some of the fantastic work taking place behind the scenes to help our club grow and thrive. Over recent weeks, I have been busy working alongside Keith Old, our club website designer and video producer, and Mary Firth on several exciting projects.
Keith has been leading the development of our latest video productions, showcasing the achievements, training sessions, and success stories of our swimmers and volunteers. One of our key goals has been to support fundraising efforts through a variety of money-raising bids and funding applications.
The new video content is helping us demonstrate the positive impact our club has on young people and the wider community. By presenting strong evidence of our achievements and ambitions, we hope to secure additional funding that will benefit swimmers of all ages and abilities.
Mary Firth has ensured that the welfare and safeguarding of our members remain at the heart of the process. Her guidance has helped us make sure that all content reflects the club’s values of safety, inclusion, respect, and enjoyment.
Alongside our latest video project, I have been researching with Keith new website providers in order to meet SwimEngland policy guidelines on imagery and child protection. There's still alot of work to do but teh journey begins with small steps.
As Club mascot, I am incredibly proud of the teamwork being shown by everyone involved. The combined efforts of Keith, Mary, our coaches, volunteers, swimmers, and families are helping to build a brighter future for the club. I look forward to sharing more updates soon as our fundraising bids progress, our videos reach wider audiences, and our social media presence continues to grow.
Thank you to everyone who supports Armthorpe Kingfishers Swimming Club – together, we are making a real difference
Kingsley
February 23rd
KINGSLEY'S KORNER
Latest club video highlighting Diversity and Inclusion.
February 7th
Kingsley reflects on the Schofields Presentation night
I padded into the hall with my big, soft paws feeling a little heavier than usual, my blue-and-gold fur brushed and ready. Tonight was the Club Presentation, and as Kingsley Bear—proud mascot of Kingfisher’s Swimming Club—I had an important job: smiles to share, high-fives to give, and nerves to calm.
The room buzzed like the pool on gala day. Chairs scraped, ribbons shimmered, and the air was full of excitement. I waved to familiar faces, my head bobbling a bit as kids spotted me and whispered, “It’s Kingsley!” That always makes my stuffing feel extra warm.
That’s when I saw Kelsey and Khloe standing near the front, as they shifted from foot to foot, eyes bright, while smiling wide
I waddled over, lowering myself to their level so my eyes met theirs. “Rawrr-hello,” I said in my best friendly bear voice, offering a paw. Kelsey shook it like a champion, confident and quick, while Khloe gave a gentle squeeze and laughed. The sound bounced around inside my bear head and made me grin even bigger.
We chatted about races and favourite strokes—mine’s the splashy kind. When the names were called and applause thundered, I clapped along, my paws making soft thumps that somehow still felt important. I hoped they could hear me over the cheers and how proud I was, that being brave enough to swim fast and cheer louder was what being a Kingfisher was all about.
By the end of the night, we were friends. We posed for photos, and shared the kind of quiet excitement that settles in after a big day at the pool. As the lights dimmed and families gathered their things, Kelsey and Khloe waved goodbye, and I waved back with both paws.
Walking out, I felt taller than ever. Not because I’m a bear in a mascot suit—but because nights like this remind me why I love being Kingsley.
Arriving in style
Making friends with Kelsey
Making friends with Khloe
Wednesday 21st January
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