THE annual Monnow Swimming Club Championships is still going strong after more than 40 years. 

Monnow Swimming Club hosted its annual club championships at Monmouth Sports Club on Saturday 3rd June. This event has happened almost every year since Alan and Sheilah Roberts founded the club in 1974. Both are still involved in the club and were again at the forefront of organising this event.

Around 50 swimmers aged between eight and 17 competed in all swimming strokes and individual medleys for which they were given points in each event to decide the overall winners in each age group. 

The winners of each age group, split into boys and girls events, included Emma Goddard (8), Gwennan McConnell-Lawlor (9), Nanci Edwards (10), Eleanor Emes (11), Amelia Phillips (12), Alicia Jones (13), Lucy Creasy (14), Dylan Curtis (8), Albie Howe (9), Harry Williams (10), Philip Lawler (11), Ethan Chick (12) and Adam Grant. 

Spectators were treated to some fantastic events. The Individual Medley races were particularly exciting with swimmers swapping the lead and showing real determination to win. There were gasps from the crowd in some races as swimmers stretched out to touch the wall first. While the swimmers raced, the club volunteers served tea and homemade cakes for the spectators whose support was vocal and supportive. 

The club would like to thank Alan and Sheilah Roberts, the club officials and clubs coaches on a very successful and enjoyable evening.