On Saturday 15th March the Rotary Club of Retford held its Annual Charity Swimathon, at the Retford Leisure Centre. The event, supported by Bpl Your Space and Smith Brothers UK, was opened at 2pm by Chairman of Bassetlaw District Council, Cllr. Sue Shaw. Once again a tremendous community
effort resulted in excess of £15,000 being pledged for local charities and
organisations

In September 1987 the Rotary Club of Retford, as part of its fund-raising efforts for Polio Plus, an international campaign to eradicate
polio and other debilitating diseases, first had the idea of a sponsored “Swimathon”. This year the Rotary Club’s share of the money raised will support Focus 0n Young People in Bassetlaw and the new Children’s Assessment Unit at Bassetlaw Hospital.

Over fifty Rotarians and Friends, led by the Swimathon organisers Ros and Richard Cable, worked tirelessly throughout the afternoon to
achieve another very enjoyable event.

Yet again the total raised represents a great response from the people of the Bassetlaw area. There was a diverse range of teams. It was very pleasing to see the community spirit shown, particularly by the young people of the district who gave time on a Saturday afternoon, to swim and gain sponsorship for their good causes. Swimmers of all ages and abilities took part, and were well supported from the balcony. The Rotary Club appreciates the effort put in, and once again wishes to thank the parents/guardians and team
leaders for their support and hard work in organising teams. In total some 250
swimmers participated in this increasingly popular community event, including
The Retford Swimming Club on their Club night, and The Retford and District Life Savers during their Saturday morning training session. This was made possible by the very professional help and support given to The Rotary Club
organisers by Mr Simon Ferrarelli Bpl Corporate Manager, Tom Walker, Facilities Manager and their excellent team of staff. 
All who participated in the event made a great physical effort to earn their sponsorship. 

The Rotary Club of Retford was delighted to present a cheque for £1000 to the Retford & District Lifesaving Club at the Retford Leisure Centre on Saturday 21st January.  Retford Rotary President Mary Danby and Percy Laws Management Committee Chairperson Viv Montgomery made the presentation.  The money was donated to support the Lifesaving Club Members
who have qualified to compete in the World Lifesaving Interclub Youth Open Championships, (fifteen, 14-18 years) and three in The World Lifesaving Masters Championships, in August 2024.  The Championships take place in Australia. 

Those competing are fundraising in a variety of ways with a sponsored ‘Triathlon to Oz’ – a real challenge which has training benefits too.  They will cover the equivalent distance from Retford to the Gold Coast in Australia by swimming, cycling and running – 10,250 miles in total.  Other fundraising activities are a Spring Ball with an Australia theme, foreign currency collection, raffles etc. Once at the competition venue, life will be intense with early morning pool, beach and land training between competition days alongside briefing and overall preparation sessions. Frugal hostel accommodation is booked where they will eat and support each other. 

Based at Retford Leisure Centre, the Lifesaving Club, a friendly group of adults and young people, is dedicated to delivering essential lifesaving, first aid, rescue and personal survival skills. They compete at a local, national and international level in various lifesaving competitions and are a recognised club member of the Royal Life Saving Society UK.   Retford Lifesaving Club offers an extensive range of awards and qualifications for
people of all ages and abilities. The awards cover fitness, technical knowledge, skill and judgement when dealing with simulated incidents – each of which requires varying levels of proficiency.

Retford, a small market town, is rightly proud of this thriving, well supported Club and Retford Rotary are very happy to support them just as they support us in our annual Swimathon which takes place this year on Saturday 9th March at the Leisure Centre.