Winter Solstice, 21 June.......Hey, That's Tomorrow!!!!!!

Winter solstice is the moment at which the sun is at it's greatest height as observed from the North Pole. On this day we will have our longest night and our shortest day. Most people, however, will just call this 'mid-winter'. Greatest height, shortest day, mid-winter - this all pales into insignificance. The really important news is.......

SOUTH CITY ARE HAVING THEIR ANNUAL MID-WINTER DINNER

The mid-winter dinner will be at the Thai Flame on 26th July (and so will you!). Kick off is at 6.30pm for a 7pm start. There is a set menu and club members are subsidised. See the poster below for details.

Winter solstice may be but a moment in time but the memories from the South City festival of fun (aka dinner) will last a lifetime.

Nikki will be collecting money and sign up details at the pool. Don't dilly dally!

Another Challenge Meet Done and Dusted

It was quite early for a Sunday morning and there were a few bleary eyed swimmers walking rather slowly through the car park towards the pool but once the whistle blew everyone perked up and it was all on. The racing in this contest is fast and furious as there is only one hour to complete the competition so swimmers have to stay on their toes and be on alert for their next race. For some, there really was no rest as they were in every, or almost every event.

Racing was tight, much tighter than the scoreboard would suggest. By racing's end South City had achieved what they were unable to in 2013 and that was to defeat Manukau in the Challenge. The final score was 217 South City to 150 Manukau. As retainers of the Challenge trophy it is now up to South City to challenge another masters swimming club.

The format of the challenge seems to be working superbly; with a little bit of everything and it's able to be completed in an hour. Any club should be able to complete the competition within their normal training period and so not have to book any additional pool time. So far, it seems that clubs are happy with it and keen to be included.

After the racing was done and dusted the only thing left was to sit down together over the usual Sunday coffee and muffin. The cafe staff were a little stretched but seemed to cope ok (thanks Young for drumming up some extra chairs for us).

South City and Manukau may be rivals in the pool but that is where the rivalry ends; these two clubs are great friends and there is always enjoyable camaraderie between the swimmers. It's no coincidence that during the Kohi Summer Series season we all hang around the same area together.

A big thanks goes to all the club members who officiated at the meet; these things never run without you. You can't all be named individually but you know who you are: starters, marshals, recorders, IOT's, counters, managers. Also, thanks to everyone who came to cheer the team on. Finally, thanks to the swimmers - from both clubs; thanks for an enjoyable hour of entertaining and very high quality swimming.

Swimmers from both clubs - apparently I was supposed to push the mute button on my jersey but I can't be bothered (deal with it!!!)

Club Night Results Are Up

4th June was the first Wednesday of the new month and as per usual that meant race night. There were 17 swimmers and 6 officials enjoying the splashing and dashing. Another 12 new records were set, 7 for the men, 4 for the women and for the first time in a while, a new relay record went down. Well done to all new record holders.

Swimmer of the month was awarded to our very own Fiona Grigg. Fiona did a magnificent job of rallying the troops for the Roskill meet in a fine display of organisational skills; putting the relay teams together and making sure everyone was in the right place at the right time, booking the dinner venue and driving the mini-van to and from the pool. Fiona had to think about her own racing while having all these distractions. Take my word for it, it is no easy task as organising us lot is a bit like herding cats so well done Fiona (I pick you to do it again next time!).

The wooden spoon was handed out this month and there were probably not too many surprises there since Lapo's start in the 50 back has become quite legendary. To be honest, I think Lapo showed geat fitness and lung power and deserves a pat on the back for that too.

**SPECIAL NOTICE**

Thomas Ansorg Swim Clinic at Lloyd Elsmore Pool

Current NZ Commonwealth swimming coach Thomas Ansorg has agreed to come to Lloyd Elsmore to lead a private swim clinic on both breaststroke and fly (both in 1 session).

Proposed dates/times are:

• Sunday August 10th, 7am to 9.30am
• Sunday September 28th, 7am to 9.30am

Based on overall attendance the price will be somewhere between $40-$60 to be paid by members beforehand. Cost will be confirmed once we have firm numbers.

This may sound expensive but Thomas does provide first class training. Several members have attended sessions recently at G.I. and the Millennium, and found it extremely valuable (Giles, Dawn, Avy, Dan, Nicole, Sarah L, Mark Cowling). Please approach them for details if needed.

Max attendance is 20 people. First come, first served. All South City club members are welcome.

Please note the session will be approx 2hrs in the pool with a 30 minute poolside debrief after the session. The session is a mixture of theory and practice so there will be a bit of standing about between explanations and swimming.

There is an expectation that swimmers attending have already grasped the basics of these strokes, and will use this session to improve their technique, learn drills etc. Thomas is happy to discuss individuals goals prior to the session to assist in focussing the clinic content.

We need to know numbers to secure one of the proposed dates with Thomas, and also to book the pool.

Please email Giles to indicate interest on:

gileswalker@rocketmail.com

Closing date for expressions of interest is Saturday 14th June. If interested please indicate your preferred date(s) and your full name.

Twisting By The Pool

John and Avy were very lucky to have a holiday in Mexico recently while the rest of us plebs were were rugging up in the looming winter. Here are a couple of pics of what we missed just to make us a little jealous.

Now I will just drink this one and order a few more. Oh, look below, there are a few more!

I love the nightlife, I've got to boogie.....and try drinks of every colour