THERE plenty of winners during Barry Amateur Swim Club's 96th AGM including Holly Stillman who won in the best newcomer category and a special mention for senior swimmer Alfie Sargeant.

Read more on the AGM in the report, below.

Report by Heulwen Cooper

On Saturday January 27, Barry Amateur Swimming Club held their 96th AGM and medal presentation evening at Barry Rugby Club.

Heulwen Cooper, Club Chairman, spoke about the challenges the club had faced over the past year and the exciting times going forward especially the club centenary in 2026.

Following the club Championships held in October 2023 over 60 trophies and 130 medals were presented by Mike Looker during the evening. 

There were also Special cups awarded to swimmers and adults who have made outstanding contributions over the past year.

Best Runner Up – presented to a girl and also to a boy, both of whom had scored the most points without winning a cup in our Annual Championships.  Poppy Hill and Dylan Porter were each presented with a cup.

Also during the past year new swimmers had joined the Club and Best Newcomer cups were presented to the girl and boy who had made the most progress since joining.  Holly Stillman and Vadym Zhdanov had both worked very hard since joining and gained these cups.

Two other Special cups, Most Improved Swimmer, were presented to Poppy Hill and Daniel Tailby  both of whom are longstanding members who had made significant improvements during the year.

Alfie Sargeant one of our senior boys who has made a significant mark in the club, greatly helping other swimmers and coaches, and has given much of his time in many other ways was awarded the Loyalty Cup.

Also, some of the adult helpers who had given the club much time - Mellissa Briard who had assisted in very many ways and was also responsible for the club medals and trophies, won the Lady Club Member of the year; while our head coach, Grant Bateman, was presented with Male Club Member for his efforts during the year.

Barry And District News: Mike Looker with newcomer Holly StillmanMike Looker with newcomer Holly Stillman (Image: BASC)

Club captains were appointed - Amelie Briard and Seren Britton for the girls with Alfie Sargeant and Charlie Bowmer leading the boys.

Two exceptional awards were presented to two member who have retired over the past year and whom between them have been involved with the club for over 50 years.

Susan Borges who has been involved in running the club in a variety of roles. She was responsible for keeping the club functioning during the difficult “Covid” times.

Mike Looker who is a very popular coach with our club and who has contributed over 30 years to the club coaching and officiating at galas and licensed meets, who will  be greatly missed.

Thanks to the support of parents and other adults we now have a functioning admin team and committee.

We have a waiting list of eager youngsters who wish to join the club, but at present our capacity is limited by a shortage of poolside helpers.

If anyone out there feels they could support our friendly, community swimming club in a poolside capacity please contact us at BarryASC@myyahoo.com,