With a full top squad our training programme is now operating on two levels, which allows the correct level for the varying abilities in this squad. The younger members are working hard to gain places with our senior swimmers, which can only be achieved through hard work, commitment and high attendance levels. Our latest performances have been excellent with 14 first places at the Kent’s which no-doubt we can improve on in 2006. Logbooks have been introduced helping swimmers to understand their training plans and why they should be at all sessions. We have had a couple of nasty injuries from our Rugby Playing members which results in fitness levels being reduced and competitions being missed, but I’m pleased to say we are able to overcome all these problems. I am hoping to introduce more inter club galas during the coming season to ensure strong motivation and focus on personal best times. Our new Captains Ed Harding and Rebecca Gosling ably supported by Vice Captains Matt Steere and Hazel Colbourne will no doubt support our club as did our last captains. I consider ourselves very lucky to have such a good top squad all of whom support, encourage and set a fine example to younger swimmers. It is very obvious to me that our senior swimmers support our club 100%, always on hand to attend the various events necessary to show their team spirit. Swimming in this squad involves far more than just training we:

• Promote positive experiences
• Encourage each other
• Respect each other
• Support team members during the rough times
• Support team members during the rough times
• Stand up and be proud of ourselves and our club
• Have a clear focus on what we are doing and why
• Give 100% at each session mentally and physically

Helen Dudman

The newly named Platinum Squad has been working very hard during the Christmas to Easter term. Martha and Jan have been working jointly with the squad since Christmas and have found that the new arrangement has been working very well. There have been several PB performances from the swimmers both in the Kent Championships (individual and relay events) and also at the White Oak Open Meet. We are looking forward to the Club Open Meet at Black Lion in April and sincerely hoping that the swimmers will give improved and satisfying performances following their hard work and dedication to training in the last few months.

We have also been working on improving knowledge of good nutrition habits and preparing mentally for competition.

It has been a tough, but so far, rewarding term of swimming and we must congratulate our swimmers on their dedication to the task in hand. We are delighted to be working with you and look forward to raising the standard further in the coming months.

Thank you for your co-operation, diligence and for your smiling willingness to take on new challenges and tougher training regimes.

We hope to organise more competitions (Inter-Club) over the coming year to gain more experience whilst also fostering team spirit and enjoyment of our sport. This will help us for the forthcoming bigger events such as the Kent Junior League and the Kent County Championships 2006, which will be our next focus.

A final word of Congratulations to Rebecca Harvey on her promotion to the National/Top Squad. We hope we can select some more swimmers for same in the not too distant future.

Martha Feeley and Jan Trodden

Since September 2004 seven swimmers have progressed to Platinum Squad. During the season we have done many things as a squad; we have had swim and kick tests, points are awarded for these, especially for acheveing PBs, attendance, hard training plus swim questions and answers, all are rewarded with points. At the end of the six weeks, we hold a training morning followed by a presentation lunch in McDonald’s or Pizza Hunt – trophies are awarded for various categories. Training takes place 4 times a week covering a distance of up to 12,800 metres. During January the squad raised £2,710.60p for the Tsunami disaster, 26 swimmers took part managing a staggering 56,450 metres in 1 hour. The Squad jumble sale will be held on 21st May to raise much needed funds for the Club. Most of this squad take part in galas, Tudor League, North Kent Junior League, Race Nights, local galas and Club events. Periodically we hold a squad time trial at St Olave’s pool with the whole squad in attendance. Other activities are the annual squad Christmas party, end of term party also a day trip to the coast in the summer. During training the Gold Squad are encouraged to develop all their skills in every stroke.

Eve Powis

As our young swimmers move into this squad our training moves from 2 to 3 sessions a week and an increase in both distance and technique. We work hard on starts and turns and build on stamina. The team in this squad has covered good ground work on technique and I aim to increase their understanding of rules and regulations that surround competitive swimming. We promote use of clock, pace work with commitment to training which will be rewarded in higher standards and faster times.

Jan Trodden

Covering a distance of approximately 800m a session our main objective at this level is technique. We spend two hour's a week breaking down each stroke into bit size drill's which help the children develop the correct movements. Also at this level we teach the children about the correct starts and turns for each stroke, so as to equip them for a competitive future. This group is a great starter for young children who like being involved in a competitive, team environment. We also welcome Alison Nye to our teaching team to help with breaststroke technique, a challenging stroke which needs to be correct at this level. We have taken on some exciting talent over the last year and I look forward to watching our swimmers progress. Club kit can be purchased from the shop on Monday nights and I strongly recommend that hats etc are purchased to encourage team spirit.

Lucy Jackson

Are you a senior swimmer who’s decided that the Olympics is off the schedule for the time being? But still want to train at a competitive level/ The OOJs Masters Squad provides a competitive training environment for senior swimmers. Its objectives are:-

• To enable Masters swimmers (19 and over) to train for and compete in Masters events, at local, National and International level.
• To provide training opportunities for other senior swimmers who are unable to take advantage of the more extensive programme provided in Top Squad.
• To provide an opening for swimmers returning to the sport.
• To take every possible opportunity to explore the performance-enhancing effects of group eating and drinking.

This squad is divided on a Monday to enable the more competitive swimmers to training at a harder level. Members of this squad have often chosen to swim in this squad either because they find it hard to training m ore than twice a week due to other actives or perhaps the mileage covered in others squad are higher than they required.

Steve Bebbington / Margaret Cuttill