Wrap of 2024 Presentation Night for Warringah Masters

Last Friday last saw the Annual Presentation Night for Warringah Masters, and what a night it was. There was a record turn out for the '60s themed evening and much fun had by all.

Memories of the ‘60s

Why ‘60s you might ask … well six club members turn 80 this year (Wilson Gamble, David Craig, Bill Moorcroft, Bridget Cook, and ‘twins’ Patrick Chandler and Graham Campbell) and they all lived through the ‘60s - a period of dramatic events, an explosion of fashion, hippies, the arrival of the Beatles, eccentric bands and psychedelia. So what better excuse to dress up and party… the ’Octos’ shared their memories of the 60s and former president Graham Campbell gave a swim themed rework of The Young Ones in the style of the Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band with Ruwan ‘Hank’ de Mel on guitar (thanks Gwen de Mel for wordsmithing).

Next, to the business of the night:

The Participation Award (most carnival days attended including nationals ) went jointly to Helen and Graham Campbell pipping others by one carnival.

The Max Award: donated by founding member Max van Gelder recognising individual Branch, National and World records appropriately weighted: record breakers this year included Abel Bernstein (National) and John de Vries ( Branch), but with two National records, the honours this year went to Liz Wallis.

On the relay front, Liz Wallis, Abel Bornstein, John de Vries, Tony Tooher, Rowan Jacob, Paul Johnston, John Bates, Ruwan de Mel, Tony Wozniak, Helen White, Helen Campbell, Jacinta Allsop and Phillipa Webb were in relays breaking Branch (NSW) records. Super well done all!

Then the much anticipated Female and Male Swimmer of the Year Awards recognising performance, improvement across the year, competing at carnivals and training participation. These justifiably went to Jane Hinton (swimming times she did in her 20s) and Mikey Paterson (whose competitive times have tumbled at each carnival through the year), both roundly applauded by the audience.

This was followed by the President’s Award, inaugurated by Tony Tooher, which went to immediate past President, Graham Campbell.

Finale

And finally a rousing group sing along of the Twelve Days of Christmas led by Amy Whyte, with Ruwan on guitar and lyrics ‘swimmified’ by Gwen de Mel.

Thanks to Bridget Cook (and her helpers Ally Wood, Elizabeth Gharbi, Jon and Jay Harwood) for organising a memorable evening. Kudos too to Bridget whose idea it was to link the ‘Octos’ and the ‘60s as the theme for the evening!