Latest News 2025
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Personalized Cap Order
If you would like a personalized cap for your swimmer , please let me know, £8 each and order will be placed when we have reached 15 caps
Claire
Derek Fretwell’s funeral is on Monday 1pm at Barnby Dun Memoria. If any of our swimmers can attend please wear an Armthorpe T-shirt for a guard of honour with Dartes swimmers.
Pete
Bridlington Seaside Special
Excellent weekend at the Bridlington Gala. The Kingfisher swimmers performed really well and supported each other with terrific team spirit. A huge thank you to all the coaches and the poolside team who make it possible, preparing the team and encouraging them to achieve at this level.
Shirley
Great day at Bridlington Seaside Swim Meet. Loads of pb’s and medals, including a senior team relay race Well done to all Armthorpe Kingfishers Swimming Club swimmers Ready to do it all again tomorrow
Nikki
Well done to all the swimmers who competed this weekend.
Lee
Arthur Evan Stephen Noah Oscar Jakub
Sofia and James
Jennifer and Aria
Ben two speeding medals and three silvers today!! Amazing!
Abigail and Emily K
Warm up
James and Lucas
William
Jennifer
Abigail
Nikki and Lisa
Kingfishers!
With BMLs behind us for now, this is another great opportunity to chase those PBs and aim for the all-important county and regional qualifying times for the Winter Championships.
We always love this meet, and we hope you’re all excited too!
Key Info:
- Venue: East Riding Leisure, Bridlington (YO15 2QQ)
- Pool: Short course (25m)
Session Times:
Morning Sessions
- Arrive by 7:15 AM
- Warm-up at 7:45 AM
Afternoon Sessions
- If you raced in the morning: Be back on poolside by 12:50 PM. Warm-up starts at 1:00 PM - there’s usually a half-time dance-off anyway…
- If you didn’t race in the morning: Check in with team managers by 12:30 PM. Warm-up at 1:00 PM
Spectator Info:
- Tickets: Usually contactless, but bring some cash just in case (£8 full day / £5 per session)
- Seating is first come, first served – arrive early to get a good a spot!
- For afternoon sessions, the balcony is usually cleared, so rejoin the queue even if the morning races are still finishing.
Other bits:
- Age groups are based on swimmer’s age as of midnight 13th July 2025
- No camping chairs on poolside – coaches will bring a few in case rules are relaxed.
- Double-check your entries and session times here: https://openmeets.co.uk/entry_sys/entrylists/entryLists.php?meetID=BP25
- Can’t swim? Let us know ASAP so we can make withdrawals and free up space for others.
Reminders:
- Wear your yellow Kingfishers hat – makes it easier to support each other
- Stay in touch with coaches and always check in before leaving
- No phones in the changing rooms!
- Cheer your teammates on!
Most importantly: have fun, give it everything and enjoy the weekend.
Go Kingfishers!
Jonathan
BML 3 Rotherham 2025
Jakub - with our club mascot Kingsley
Absolutely brilliant from the Kingfishers again today! Every swimmer left nothing in the pool. Fantastic team spirit from start to finish! Beyond proud!
Mary
Well done everyone Barry
Well done Kingfishers! Nicola
Evie N and Finty
Emily K
A Birds Eye View
Warm up
Project 89?
Completed it!
Huge congratulations to every swimmer, helper, and supporter who made today such a success. We had a slightly shaky start, but the team responded brilliantly to claw back points.
The final round of 8 individual races was a standout, bringing in 19 points. Overall, we saw 5 fantastic wins, plenty of close finishes, some just inches from a higher place, and some of those were for the win!
A massive shoutout to Eleanor Lakin, who came out of retirement to help the team and was just 0.2 off a freestyle PB with hardly any training, impressive.
And thank you to our brilliant supporters, who never stopped cheering, even through the toughest races.
Project 89 is done, wonder what our next Project will be…
Jonathan
Jakub, Noah, Alexander, Stephen, Arthur and Evan
Jen, Holly and Ava
Emily D, Maisy and Miranda
A big thank you to all team of volunteers at the meet.
Claire {Time Keeper} Claire {Team Manager} Nikki {Coach}
A sad farewell to DEREK FRETWELL R.I.P. Sunday 22nd June
Update:I just wanted to let you all know that Derek Fretwells funeral is on the 21st of July at 1pm at Barnby Dun memoria then onto Rands Lane cemetery for his burial. Everybody is welcome.
Afterwards at The Coronation Club on Tranmoor Lane, Armthorpe.
Thank you
It’s with sadness that I have to tell you that our President and great friend Derek Fretwell passed away today. Our thoughts are with his family and all his grandchildren and Owen who were members of Armthorpe Swimming Club, at this very sad time.
Pete and Maureen
BML 2 HOME GALA
What a fantastic group of young people we have! It really is a privilege to be part of this club and witness the “never give up” spirit they bring to every meet. They never complain - they just get on with their job! Mighty proud of every one of them! We go again on 5th July… and I’m looking forward to it already! Go Kingfishers!
Mary
Hello Kingfishers!
88 points. Just one point short of our target, but packed with positives! In 2024, we said, “if you want to be the best, you need to swim with the best”. That’s exactly why we’re in this league, to learn, all of us.
The racing on Saturday was superb. While we only had one win (brilliant swim from Miranda!), we saw a huge number of podium finishes, lots of improved scores from our last gala, 27 pbs, and not a single DQ. That’s great progress.
The determination to improve, the way swimmers fired each other up for relays, the eagerness to seek feedback and learn, these are all signs of a squad that’s growing together. I’m sure Derek would be proud.
A huge thank you to Seth for coming out of retirement and supporting the team. Some inspiring swimming!
The atmosphere was fantastic, fuelled by our brilliant supporters. Just one point short of our goal shouldn’t overshadow the quality of performance and attitude displayed. We’re proud of everyone and ready to take this energy into Rotherham on 5th July! Details to follow soon.
Project 89!
Jonathan
Could not agree more! Saw everyone of them exit the pool having given their all! Super proud!
Rebecca
PETITION
Please Sign the Petition.
You know it makes sense
Current Total:
625
Online signatures
27th June
EASYFUNDING
The Club has joined Easyfundraising. It is a way to earn donations for the Club at no expense to you when shopping online.
Please use the link below to register and help the club raise funds.
https://join.easyfundraising.org.uk/.../SE873/facebook/
Many Thanks
Club Treasurer
AQUA PARK
We are arranging a fun afternoon at the Hatfield Marina Aqua Park on Sunday the 10th August @ 2:00pm . This is open to all Kingfisher swimmer & life saving members . However , 7-9 year olds need to be accompanied by an adult in the water.
If you would like to join us please let me know via Facebook messenger or at the pool before Saturday 10th July . If you have any questions please do not hesitate to ask me.
Note: There will be a £10 charge for siblings who are not club members and accompanying parents of 7-9 year old children.
This is a first come first serve basis!
So please let me know asap if you would like to attend .
Regards Lee
BML 2 HOME GALA
BML Premier League, HOME GALA 2025
Saturday 21st June, Adwick Leisure Centre.
Kingfishers!
Congratulations to the swimmers (image below) for selection in our Premier League Home BML gala for 2025. Last time out we managed 89 points so the target will be to beat that tally.
I will be happy to discuss with those not selected, there will be more opportunities, keep working hard and enjoy your swimming.
For those selected, please confirm your attendance with Nikki Kirk.
Key info:
- It’s at Adwick Leisure Centre
- It’s short course / 25m pool
- Age groups are based on the swimmer’s age as of 31st December 2025
- Arrive by 4:45 PM latest, doors open at 5:00 PM, warm-up at 5:15 PM
- Spectator tickets will be cash on the door
Reminders:
- Wear your yellow Kingfishers hat.
- Stay in touch with coaches and check in before going anywhere.
- No mobile phones in the changing rooms.
- Have fun and support your team mates.
Bring your energy and back your teammates!
! Go Kingfishers !
Jonathan
BML DIVISION 1 SHEFFIELD
Go Kingfishers!
Two great days of swimming from Team Armthorpe.
Well done everyone and a huge thank you to the coaching team.
Shirley
Lucas J,
Lucas S
Ben, Corey
They never gave up, proud of them!
Claire
Sheffield BML 2025
Tough day at the office today, but that’s absolutely no reflection on the kids – they were fantastic! We always knew this would be a challenge, and they rose to it with great determination. Five wins, plenty of podium finishes, even more PBs after yesterday’s efforts, and incredible team spirit throughout. There are some very good positives. Future BMLs will be a measure of how our team improves over the coming weeks. 89 points today, so we aim to improve on that score at our Home BML on 21st June.
Some valuable lessons learned, and we’ll work on the DQs – but when every swimmer gives their best and fully supports their teammates, it’s a win in every sense. Proud of them all!
Jonathan
Emily D, Sofia, Laura, Miranda, Maisy
Jacob, Noah, Alexander, Rodger, Stephen
Team Talk
Holly, Jen, Ava, Rodger, Jakub
The Kingfishers METs Team 2025 Champions
Congratulations Kingfishers!
The Bridon Shield Retained.
Roll Call
Some absolutely amazing swimming today, there were PBs everywhere we looked. No better way to compete than to bring out the A game! We were pushed all the way by an impressive Dartes squad, full of superstars
The support was incredible from the stands and on poolside. Well done everyone
Jonathan
Aria and Sofia
Lloyd and Miranda
Georgia and Paige
Lawrence
Arthur
Abigail
Evan
Finty
Ben, Sam, Abigail, Evan, Adrian, Arthur, Lloyd
Corey
Miranda and Vlad
Evie G, Evie N, Millie, Emily, Abigail, Lloyd, Finty, Miranda
Vlad, Lucas, Lucas, Corey
Jack
LLoyd
Sophie
Millie
Zane
Millie
Stephen
Emily, Emily, Maisy, Miranda
Sofia
James
Holly
Evie
Aine
Finty
Adi
Evie
Emily
Georgia, Nicola, Jonathan, Lee, Nikki, Maureen
The Coaches/Team Managers:
Georgia, Jonathan, Nicola, Pete, Maureen, Lee, Nikki
New Competitive Pool Campaign
Armthorpe Kingfishers Swimming Club alongside our fellow swimming clubs based across Doncaster are campaigning for a competitive swimming pool to be be constructed for the benefit of the city.
See how you can get involved by following all the campaign news on our dedicated webpage.
Buckingham Palace Garden Invite for Pete & Maureen
Maureen and Pete have had a fabulous day at Buckingham Palace Garden Party. William and Kate and Zara and Mike Tindall were there. They saw Charles and Camilla yesterday on their way back from Chelsea Flower Show. Afternoon tea was excellent and they have thoroughly enjoyed the day.
A very well deserved experience for all their hardwork and dedication to Armthorpe Kingfishers Swimming Club, it wouldn’t be the club it is without them.
Thank you Maureen Hardy and Peter Hardy for everything xx
Nicola
Good evening All @everyone
Many of you will have seen or heard about tonight’s (19.5.25) BBC Panorama programme that addressed issues within the swimming community. We want to make it clear that our club is not featured in the programme.
That said, we take the topic very seriously. At Armthorpe Swimming Club, we have a zero tolerance for bullying, body shaming, or any behaviour that compromises the wellbeing of our swimmers and members. The safety and support of our swimmers and members is at the heart of everything we do.
We strictly follow all Swim England safeguarding procedures and are committed to creating a positive, inclusive space where every swimmer can thrive.
If you have any questions or would like to speak with me as Chair of Armthorpe Swimming Club, please do not hesitate to speak or message me.
If you or your child is affected by any of the issues raised, please speak to our club welfare officer, Mary Firth or contact her on welfare.armthorpeasc@outlook.com.
Alternatively Swim England have some independent organisations available to contact on their website https://www.swimming.org/.../other-safeguarding.../
Regards
Nikki
Chair of ASC
Rotherham Metro Meet
Jonathan Tuffrey Nicola SK Nicola Louise Sanders Lee Burkill
A massive thank you to you all on behalf of all our swimmers today: your advice, support and willing for them to do well is appreciated by all of us and to do this as voluntary coaches and staying till the very end does not go unnoticed ! Thank you from us all
Claire
A brilliant 2 days of swimming at Ponds Forge and a successful weekend for Kingfisher swimmers. A huge thank you again to all the coaches for their expertise, encouragement and patience.
Wonderful!!
Shirley
Day 5 at the Swim England North East Regionals Championships 2025
Turbo-charged by his standard 8 egg breakfast (probably), Vlad Akula was absolutely flying at Ponds Forge today in the 16/under 50m freestyle. Vlad smashed out a 26.64 and landed a top 12 finish in the whole North East of England.
Well done Vlad, awesome swimming
Jonathan
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2025
Following the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Kingfishers Swimming Club, a new committee of Officers was formally elected to oversee the club’s operations for the upcoming year.
The AGM also provided a platform for reports from officers highlighting the club’s achievements over the past year and paving the way for a smooth transition of responsibilities.
The newly elected Officers are as always volunteers who bring a diverse mix of experience and enthusiasm to their roles, positioning the club for continued success both in competition and community engagement.
Among the key appointments were the Chairperson, Secretary, and Treasurer, each entrusted with vital responsibilities in governance, communication, and financial oversight. Additional roles, such as Welfare Officer and Head Coach Liaison, were filled by individuals with strong ties to the club and a deep understanding of its values.
The club looks forward to a productive year under the guidance of its new leadership team, with plans already underway to enhance training programmes, grow membership, and strengthen the club’s presence in regional competitions.
Thank you in advance for your efforts in the coming year ahead.
Chairperson 2025-2026
Nicola Severin -Kirk
Officers 2025/6
Chairperson - Nicola Severein-Kirk
Vice Chair - Pete Hardy
Secretary - Shirley Cooper
Treasurer - Michele Stilborn
Membership Secretary - Maureen Hardy
Competition Secretary - Shirley Cooper
Welfare and Disability Liaison - Mary Firth
Head Coach - Jonathan Tuffrey
Club Affiliation/SwimMark - Mary Firth
Equipment Secretary - Claire Burkill
Life Saving Coordinator - Mary Firth
Additional Committee Members -
Lee Burkill
Ian Hunter
Claire Hobson
Nicola Sanders
North East Regional Championships
1st Day of the NERs and Alexander Drury was on fire
4 second PB with a time of 1:30:37
Ranked him 13th in the North East in the 100m breaststroke for 12 year olds
Well done Ander!
The following swimmers are representing Armthorpe this weekend and over the next few weekends at the Regionals. These events are for the fastest in the whole of the North East Region. To take part swimmers not only have to achieve qualifying times, they are then ‘considered’ before their entries are accepted. So getting to Regionals is a huge achievement. I’m sure you will all wish the following swimmers full-speed for their upcoming races:
Alexander Drury 50m & 100m BR
Laura Garbacik 50m Fly & 50m FR
Miranda Burkill 50m FR
Vlad Akula 50m FR
Also look out for our Armthorpe swimmers who are representing DARTES over the coming weekends in several events
James Ellis
Jack Jones
Sofia-Elise Sanders
Because it’s a special competition, events are broadcast live on YouTube with the following link if you want to follow our swimmers:
https://www.youtube.com/live/J36kYewxgSg?feature=shared
And a draft programme can be found here for this weekend:
https://www.swimmingresults.org/events/senerag25/NERag.pdf
Best wishes to all those swimming, swim hard and have fun!
Jonathan
Day 2
Some amazing swims for the Kingfishers today, Alexander returned for the 50m breaststroke and he was joined by Laura and Miranda competing in the 50m freestyle
The heats saw them all achieve PBs
12 year old boys 50m breaststroke
Alexander smashed out a 2 second PB with a time of 40.21 which ranked him 7th making the regional final
The final was fast but saw another impressive swim with Ander finishing 9th
13 years 50m freestyle
Laura was next up and finished 13th just missing out on that final with a time of 30.71
14 years 50m freestyle
And last up was Miranda with yet another PB and a time of 30.34 finishing 21st
Aria and Jakub were brilliant cheerleaders too
To even qualify to compete at these events is impressive, so they have all done themselves and our club proud today
Nicola
***Phase 2 of the Race Calendar***
Team Events Ahead!
March was a fantastic month of racing, culminating in the John Harrimans gala, where Armthorpe claimed victory! While there were club points at stake, these events were primarily about individual swimmers improving their personal bests, and we saw plenty of that! It was also brilliant to see so many of our newer swimmers competing for the first time, gaining experience and confidence.
Now, as we move into Phase 2 of the race calendar, the focus shifts to team events. From May 31st, we have the METS Teams (Bridon Shield) followed very closely by three BML galas, the first one on June 1st! These competitions are all about racing for the club, and selection will be based on PBs and performances from the past few months. We are the defending Bridon Shield champions and last year’s BML winners, let’s aim to keep both trophies at Armthorpe!
We appreciate that everyone wants to race, but team selection is limited. Teams will be posted as soon as possible, and we encourage everyone to be available. Thank you for your understanding and support.
Looking ahead, there are also several sprint meets throughout the year which are great opportunities for all swimmers to improve times and push for future team selection. If you’ve completed the forms, the next one is the Rotherham Metro long course event on May 17-18th.
Keep training hard, keep racing, and let’s keep Armthorpe on top!
Jonathan
Swim England have released a few tips on how to balance training while studying for exams, please see the link below. Please find me for a chat if you need to discuss this.
Jonathan
Harriman's Photo Call
Harriman's Photo Call
Final scores for the Top Club Award were as follows:
Armthorpe 357
Adwick 312
Dearne Valley 296
Dartes 245
Edlington 100
Askern 26
Go To Competition Result & Report for full details
Congratulations Maisy!
Overall Top 14 Year Old Girl performance
Overall Top 14 Year Old Girl performance
50m Backstroke Gold: 36.91 (PB)
50m Freestyle Gold: 33.02
50m Butterfly Gold: 36.76 (PB)
50m Breaststroke Gold: 44.20
Evie and Ben - Congratulations on your performances the Harriman’s!
Pride of Armthorpe awards Evening
Congratulations to
Lucas Johnson Sports Person of the year U-16 2025
Hi everyone,
As you know, we have been trialing blue swim hats for competitions. These hats were provided free of charge, and after listening to your feedback, the committee discussed this at our meeting on Monday and agreed that we will no longer be using the blue hats going forward.
(If you previously requested a personalized blue hat, please note that these will not be ordered or charged.)
Moving forward, yellow hats will be our official race hats for all competitions. Personalization options will be available for yellow hats only. Both blue and yellow hats can continue to be used for training.
If you have any questions, feel free to send me a message.
Thanks,
Claire
Please can you all take a minute to sign this petition, a 20m pool is no good to a competitive club.
Alison Fielding
Beverley Barracudas March 16th Photo call
Morning Warm Up - 8.00am
Warm up with Jonathan
Afternoon Warm up - 2.00pm
Evan and Arthur
Emily D
Corey, Harris, Alfie
Millie and Abigail
Emily, Laura and Miranda
Competition Report can be found under Competition Results and Report page
Alex and Harrison
Lucas and Lucas
Laura and Sofia.
Ben, William, William, Jakub, Ray, Henry
William H, William J, Jakub, Henry
Noah and Rodger
Evan, Arthur, Emily and Nikki
Poolside
Rodger
Calling Notice for the AGM 2025
Named Competition Cap Order
Quite a few people have requested a new personalised competition hat.
The named hats will be £10 each
So if you would like one please comment below with the exact name and spelling you wish to be printed.
Final date for ordering will be Friday 21st March
Nicola
Worksop Dolphins Open Meet
March 1st Ponds Forge
Huge thank you to the coaching team for today, you did a great job as always. Some brilliant swims and PBs from Kingfishers. Great day!!
Shirley
Well done to all our kingfishers that competed today
You were all amazing…
Nicola
This meet was a brilliant opportunity for our swimmers to experience a top-class venue, with its impressive and challenging atmosphere it will prepare them well for future competitions. For some, it was their first taste of long course racing, and they handled it brilliantly. For our more seasoned swimmers, it was also a great chance to try different strokes over different distances, and they pushed themselves outside their comfort zones.
With none of the usual Yorkshire based teams competing, our swimmers could fully focus on their own performances without distractions. Medals were tough to win, making each one even more rewarding, but we always intend to focus on the time, rather than the reward. Beyond the results, the team spirit was fantastic. There was plenty of space for them to spend time together to build friendships, team spirit and they supported and motivated each other throughout the meet.
It was great to see them all embracing the challenge, learning from the experience, and most importantly, enjoying themselves. Whether smashing PBs or gaining valuable race experience, every swimmer should be proud.
Well done to everyone who raced! This was a valuable stepping stone in their swimming journeys, and we can’t wait to see the progress continue in the next competitions. Beverley next! Keep training hard, and let’s build on this momentum!
Jonathan
***Worksop Dolphins - March 1st 2025***
Some additional details below for the meet this weekend.
Warm up
Please arrive no later than 730am ready for warm up at 8am.
For the afternoon session, swimmers to report to coaches no later than 1pm for 130pm warm up.
Parking
https://www.q-park.co.uk/en-gb/cities/sheffield/castlegate/
50% off parking by pre-booking with this code PFQPSHF50 (limited spaces) or pay on the day and hand your ticket to reception for 25% off.
If Castlegate is full, there is another multi-story a short walk away at Victoria Quays.
Spectator tickets are available with this link.
https://search.app/jbyt8GHzTRVuiYbo6
Safeguarding
It is a big venue and it’s busy - can parents/guardians please remind their children they should not go anywhere without informing the coaches.
Also, after they’ve finished for the day please let us know they have arranged to be collected by their parents/guadians. Please use messenger if necessary.
Please remember there are strictly no mobile phones to be used in changing rooms by anyone. Please help us to reinforce this.
Really looking forward to this one! It was a great gala last year with many pbs so let’s go for more of the same!!
Jonathan
YORKSHIRE CHAMPIONSHIPS
The following swimmers are representing Armthorpe on Saturday 22nd February 2025 at Ponds Forge!
Alexander Drury
Ben Gilson
Jakub Garbacik
Laura Garbacik
Lucas Stallard
Miranda Burkill
Ray Chapman
Vlad Akula
William Holmes
Warm up times are below and also a link to the programme. Please arrive no less than 30 minutes before the 1st warm up.
If there are any withdrawals from any events, let me know by 10am Friday 21st Feb please.
Reminder that mobile phones are strictly forbidden in changing rooms for everyone.
Jonathan
The caps have been ordered and are due in 4/5 weeks time, I’ll be in touch once personalized hats have been delivered.
Thanks Claire
Congratulations to our Lane 4 Life Saving group, who, after three and a half years of hard work, have finally achieved the NLA Bronze Medallion Award: Alex, Esme, Maisy, Lucy, Rodger, Lucas and Rodger can be justifiably proud of their achievement! There is now a limited number of spaces in the Life Saving Club.
Please send me a message if you are interested in a place for your child.
Mary
Further to the recent equipment and kit guide and for anything that is not branded or personalised club wear which is available from Claire D Burkill
I am pleased to let you all know that Martyn at sporty swim has generated us a discount code for their family run business.
If you type ‘KINGFISHERS’ into the promo code when purchasing you will get 10% discount on your entire order.
They offer free delivery on orders over £15
And offer PayPal pay in 3 if you need to spread the cost
They are only based at Nottingham for anyone wanting to go and try those more expensive suits or jammers on and offer expert guidance on fit.
Nicola
I’m sure you will all join me in congratulating the following 12 swimmers for achieving Yorkshire qualifying times for the spring Yorkshire Championships 2025!
Vlad Akula
Lawrence Chapman
Ray Chapman
Alexander Drury
Jakub Garbacik
Benjamin Gilson
William Holmes
Lucas Johnson
Lucas Stallard
Miranda Burkill
Laura Garbacik
Jennifer Powell
Also well done to 5 of our DARTES swimmers who have also achieved qualifying times:
James Ellis
Jack Jones
Aria Sanders
Sofia Sanders
Stephen Tuffrey
(Entries via DARTES)
The closing date for entries is 10th January 2025, so there will be a form appearing later today for you to confirm the swims you want to race. We need your completed forms by 8th January please so that we can complete the entry admin in time. A screenshot of which swims are eligible for each swimmer is in the comments section.
Races are £6 each and are split between John Charles in Leeds and Ponds Forge in Sheffield. Details for where events will be held can be found in the link below:
https://yorkshireswimming.org/.../YSA-Galas-2025-Version...
Spectator tickets go on sale on 10th January and we will share more details on this later this week.
Well done to all swimmers once again!
Jonathan Tuffrey
Aria and Sofia
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