Contents
Introduction
Beds Masters County and Club Representatives for 2015
Masters Programme for 2014
County Masters Records 2014 Summary
Recent Achievements
---- Lawrence Palmer
---- Georgie Halford
---- Hannah Bennett
Bedfordshire at the East Region Masters at Newmarket 4^th October 2014
East Region Inter County Masters at Newmarket 16th November 2014
National Inter-County Masters 2014 Final Results
Beds Masters Decathlon Challenge 2014
The National ASA Masters Conference 2014
The Club Scene and Masters Training Sessions

Attachment
Review of the National Masters Conference 2014

Introduction
This is the final and bumper issue of the newsletter this year. Although it is a little bit out of date, we report on the Beds Masters representation at the ER Championships at Newmarket. We give a brief report on the First National Masters Conference and attach a detailed summary so that you can get some idea of where Masters swimming may be heading.
With the final flourish of results from the regional and national Masters competitions, there has been more changes at the top of the Beds Masters Decathlon Challenge table. Barring drastic changes, the table below may list the final positions but we have to wait for the National results to be formally finalised (at the start of next year). Finally, I wish you a Happy Christmas and a fit and fun New Year.

Beds Masters County and Club Representatives for 2015
Bedfordshire Masters are represented on the Beds ASA Executive by a Masters Secretary, who is elected annually in November. The current volunteer is Paul Clarke (of Team Luton) who was re-elected at the November meeting. We thought that there was too much work for one person, so, in order to share the load, we also have a volunteer John Bellis (of South Beds Masters) to manage the Inter-County Masters Team and to keep the Records. Please feel free to contact us about Beds Masters swimming:-

We also have club Masters Representatives in the clubs, who you can contact about Masters issues that you may wish to raise with us, or who may be able to tell you about Beds Masters activities. They are:-

Beavers Masters SC, Bedford	Pam Russell
Biggleswade SC	Louise Jarvis
Fliwick Dolphins SC	Liz Woolner
Modernians SC	Marcel Scholten
Putteridge SC	Lesley Batson (Coach)
South Beds Masters SC	John Bellis (Coach)
Team Luton SC	Pauline Harrington (Coach)

Volunteers from other clubs are welcome.

Masters Programme for 2014
The year is almost over, but there is one last chance to swim and add a few more points to your Decathlon total, at the South Yorkshire Open Masters 2014 on 14^th December 2014 at Sheffield. Good luck if you entered.

County Masters Records 2014 Summary
John Bellis, our records keeper, noted that it has been another good year for record breaking, So far in 2014 the following Beds Masters records have been set: 125 Short Course, 55 Long Course and 16 Relay records. Beds swimmers have also broken many East Region records and some British records. Thanks go to John for recording all these changes.

• Lawrence Palmer (22) of Putteridge was a British Seniors Short Course record breaker at 100M Breaststroke at the National Champs in October in a time of 1:01.39
  
• Georgie Halford (19) of Flitwick, successfully completed a solo swim across the English Channel on the 5^th August, from the English coast just west of Dover to the French coast east of Pointe de la Courte Dune, in 12 hours 22 minutes, accompanied by her boat Gallivant and observer from the Channel Swimming and Piloting Federation.
  
• Hannah Bennett (23) of Putteridge, also completed her solo swim across the English Channel on the 1^st of September, from Dover beach to Wissant beach in France in 13 hours 36 minutes, accompanied by her boat Sea Satin and observer from the Channel Swimming and Piloting Federation.

(Extracted from Open Water Report by Steve Kerr)

Bedfordshire at the East Region Masters at Newmarket 4^th October 2014
Thirty seven swimmers from eight Bedfordshire clubs swam at the 2014 ER Masters Champs, the highest number yet, and it was pleasing that there were five relay teams in from Biggleswade, Flitwick, Putteridge, South Beds and Team Luton. We had 10 new Beds individual records, plus 7 new relay records. This competition also makes a good test-out for the National Masters SC competition that follows.
From Beaver Masters, Patricia Reynolds (60-64) gained four first places and broke the ER record in the 200m backstroke in 3:19.72.
From Biggleswade, Five swimmers, Doug Kerr, Jayne Colebrook, Louise Jarvis, Nick Titchener and Nicola Horsford gained eleven wins, eight seconds and four third places and entered four relays, winning three and coming second in the other one. Congratulations to Louise Jarvis (Biggleswade) who broke the ER 200M Freestyle record in a time of 2:32.60 (I think).
From Dunstable, Sam Parry (24) flashed to first place in the Seniors 50M Freestyle in 25.06sec and 100M Freestyle in 57.35sec.
From Flitwick, there was a record turnout of six swimmers, Dan Georgescu, Ian Fowler, Ian Murray, Liz Woolner, Nigel Halford and Noreen Weighell. Ian Murray entered 9 individual events and 4 relays - making him the most racey?? person there and overnight lifting himself into fifth place in the Beds Masters Decathlon. It was good to see the swimmers from Flitwick included new swimmer Noreen Weighell, who joined in the relays. Liz Woolner (45/49) broke the ER record in the 100m butterfly (see photo below).

Regional President Gerry Metcalf presenting the award to Liz Woolner

From Modernian, Marcel Scholten gained three firsts and broke the ER record for 50M Freestyle.
From Putteridge, seven swimmers, Carrie Page, Claire Grundy, Graeme Crowston, Hannah Bennett,Mark Wareham, Miriama Owens and Paul Brignell grabbed 8 firsts, 8 seconds and 2 third places. They also entered seven relay teams, gaining 2 wins, 3 seconds and 2 third places..
From South Beds Masters. There was 11 individual swimmers who gained 14 firsts, 6 seconds, and 4 third places. They entered 3 relay teams, all of which won. They also broke an East Region relay record of 2.11.30 in the120-159 age group for the South Beds Masters 200M Medley team of Joanne Holder; Sarah Pearse; Samantha Hammond and Carla King.
From Team Luton, there was five swimmers who won 11 firsts (with Graham Powell winning all of his five races), 5 seconds and 2 third places. Their two relay teams both won.

East Region Inter County Masters at Newmarket 16th November 2014
Swimmers from eight County clubs gathered in Newmarket to represent Bedfordshire in this year’s East Region round of the Inter County Masters Championship.
Since the reorganisation of the Districts, Bedfordshire have never finished higher that fourth place in the East Region round, but this year the swimmers excelled themselves, and won, yes won, the Trophy, beating Norfolk into second place by just six points.

Final points were:
Bedfordshire 261
Norfolk 255
Cambridgeshire 233
Hertfordshire 221
Suffolk 220
Essex 204
The County had eleven individual first places, and seven relay wins.

Liz Woolner (Flitwick Dolphins) in the 45 to 54 age group, was the busiest swimmer, winning her three individual swims, the 50m Butterfly, then equalling her own East Region and County record in the 50 Freestyle with a time of 29.41 secs. And then went on to break her own Region and County record when winning the 50 backstroke with a time of 34.51 secs.
In the 18 and over age group there were wins for Sam Parry (Dunstable) in the 50 Freestyle 25.18. For Lucy Gregory (Leighton Buzzard) in the 50 backstroke 32.48, and for British record holder Lawrence Palmer (Putteridge) in the 50 Breaststroke 28.10.
The 25 to 34 age group had two winners both from South Beds Masters, Carla King won the 50 Freestyle 28.10, and Sarah Pearse won the 50 Breaststroke with a time of 36.16.
Marcel Scholten (Modernians) swimming in the 45 to 54 age group, won the 50 Breaststroke 34.23, but in doing so injured his shoulder/back and had to withdraw from the rest of the competition. But in the next age group, the 55 to 59, Team Luton stalwarts Graham Powell won the 50 Backstroke 33.49, and team mate Colin Mayes won the 50 Breaststroke 38.30.
This year Bedfordshire fared much better in the relay events, with wins coming from the following teams:
Men’s 72 + Freestyle. Men’s 100 + Freestyle. Women’s 72 + Medley. Women’s 100 + Freestyle. Women’s 100 + Medley. Women’s 140 + Freestyle, and the Mixed 200 + Freestyle.
Report by John Bellis

National Inter County Masters 2014 Final Results.
When all of the results from the five regional rounds were collated, Yorkshire beat last year’s winners, Warwickshire into second place, and Sussex in third. But it was Bedfordshire who finished in a very creditable 11^th place out of the 29 Counties who took part, and showed an improvement of seven places on 2013, and a five place improvement on the County’s previous best position, a 16^th in 2012.
This year we had 18 top ten finishers, with two outright winners, Lawrence Palmer (Putteridge) in the 18+ 50 Breaststroke, and Liz Woolner (Flitwick Dolphins) in the 45+ 50 Butterfly. Liz also finished in second place in the 50 Freestyle, and a third place finish in the 50 Backstroke. Other swimmers who finished in the top five in their events were Sarah Pearse (South Beds Masters) third in the 25+ 50 Breaststroke, Carla King (South Beds Masters) third in the 25+ 50 Freestyle, Marcel Scholten (Modernians) fourth 45+ 50 Breaststroke, and Graham Powell (Team Luton) fourth 55+ 50 Backstroke.
But it was in the relays where Bedfordshire improved so much this year. In 2013 we only had one team in the top ten, this year we had thirteen! Although we did not have any top three finishers, we had three teams that picked up fourth places and they were, the Mens 100+ 200 Freestyle Relay team of Henry Marshall (South Beds Masters), Doug Kerr (Biggleswade), Lawrence Palmer (Putteridge), and Richard Lewindon (South Beds Masters). The Ladies team in the 100+ 200 Medley Relay of Clare Grundy (Putteridge), Sarah Pearse (South Beds Masters), Lucy Gregory (Leighton Buzzard), and Carla King (South Beds Masters). And finally the 72+ 200 Freestyle team of Sam Parry (Dunstable) Lawrence Palmer, Lewis King and Jordan Batson (all Putteridge).
Report by John Bellis

Beds Masters Decathlon Challenge 2014
At the end of 2014, with the Regional and National Championships completed, the standing of the Beds ASA Masters Decathlon 2014 is as below. The Beds results were extracted from the National results, with national position in brackets.

Top 10 Beds Women Masters at 28 November 2014
Of the 1676 ladies competing nationally, Liz Woolner, (in national 9^th place), with high scoring swims is still leading the Beds Decathlon closely followed by last year's champion Christine Ayres. Jo Holder and Samantha Hammond are close behind.

In the club team results for the ladies, out of 381 clubs in the national rankings, South Beds Masters are in a creditable 7^th place in the National rankings with 16425 points, Biggleswade ladies are in 81^st place, Putteridge are in 89^th place and Flitwick are in 117^th place.

Top 10 Beds Men Masters at 28 November 2014
The men's top five has had a good shake up. Modernian's Marcel Scholten has jumped to the top, Graham Powell has moved up to second and David Cartledge is in third. Good all-rounder Alastair Gibb is in fourth place. Ian Murray of Flitwick has also appeared on the scene in fifth place after swimming 13 events at the ER Champs. There are 2201 men competing nationally,

For the men's teams, out of 455 clubs in the national rankings, Team Luton with 14535 points, are in 13^th place ahead of South Beds who are in 24^th place, Modernians are in 72^nd place, Putteridge are in 101^st place and Flitwick are in 139^th place.

The National ASA Masters Conference 2014
John Bellis, Ian Murray and myself from Bedfordshire were among the seventy or so Masters who attended the conference. It was organised by the new ASA Masters Swimming Officer, Sharon Lock.
In the morning there were talks by guest speakers Steve Bratt (Otters Head Coach), Maggie Smith (Swimmer and Coach) and Jane Asher (via video).
After the talks, the emphasis was on developing Masters Swimming by directly involving the Masters present. This aim appeared to be to harness our knowledge, diverse skills, enthusiasm and passion for the sport. Initially this was done by a brainstorming session before lunch to identify the areas we thought most important.
After lunch we broke into seven different groups to further clarify what needs doing and to prepare a draft plan for the work. The group I joined was about catering for non-competitive Masters. I was surprised to discover that 60% of Masters, including Cat1 swimmers, do not compete, but still train and socialise with their club. A review of the conference is attached.

The Club Scene and Masters Training Sessions
I have gathered the following brief details from club representatives and websites. Please let me know of any errors or changes:-
The main clubs with Masters and Seniors swimmers are Beaver Masters Bedford (5), Biggleswade (13), Dunstable (1), Flitwick (6), Leighton Buzzard (4), Modernian (5), Putteridge (30), South Beds Masters (39) and Team Luton (25).
Notable changes this year are the emergence of Putteridge as a force in Masters and Seniors (18-24) and the continued growth of South Beds Masters to the extent that they are finding it difficult to get sufficient water time at a reasonable time of day. Masters have declined or left Linslade Crusaders and Bedford Masters (now closed).

At Beaver Masters (Bedford) there are about half a dozen swimmers who regularly train in the public sessions, but only one competitive swimmer this year, Pat Reynolds, an ER record breaker in backstroke.
Beaver Masters Training Sessions
At the Bedford Sixth Form College pool in Bedford (in public sessions ) (25M).
* Monday to Friday 6:30am to 8:30am.
* Sunday mornings 9am to 10:30am, which is the one we all try to make.
(Information from Pam Russell)

At Biggleswade, there are about a dozen competing Masters who did well at the ER Champs and made a good contribution to the County team at the Inter-County competition. Louise Jarvis was an ER record breaker at the ER Champs. The coach is Doug Kerr.
Biggleswade Masters and Senior Training Sessions
Swim Training, covering stroke technique and interval training.
At RAF Henlow Swimming Pool (25M):
* Wednesday 7.00pm-8.00pm
At Biggleswade Saxon Pool (25M):
* Friday 6.00am-7.30am
* Sunday 7.00pm-8.00pm
Land Training at Biggleswade Saxon Pool (25M):
* Sunday 6.30pm-7.00pm
(Information from Biggleswade SC website)

At Dunstable, there is only one Masters/Seniors swimmer at present, and one from Dunstable Water Polo Club..
Dunstable Masters/Seniors Training Sessions
At Dunstable Leisure Centre (25M):
* Tuesday 8.30pm to 9.45pm - Fitness 18 Plus
* Wednesday 8.15pm to 9.30pm - Fitness 18 Plus
(Information from Dunstable SC Website)

At Flitwick, there were five Masters swimmers competing in the ER Open Water and six in the ER Masters Champs. In the ASA Masters Liz Woolner won 3 Golds, she also holds several ER Records as does Ian Murray who also competed in the World Champs (Montreal, Canada).
Flitwick Training Sessions
The Masters / Swimfit sessions are :-
* Wednesday 9.00pm to 10.00pm
* Sunday 7.00am to 9.00am
* Friday 6.00am to 7.30am (subject to lane space)
Masters swimmers may also be invited to join the 16+ Squad if they are of a sufficiently high standard.
(Information from Ian Murray)

At Leighton Buzzard, There are four competitive Masters swimmers. 2 swam at the East Region Inter Counties (Emma Irvine & Lucy Gregory). Jack McGarry and Louis Bell also swim under South Beds Masters.
Leighton Buzzard Training Sessions
The Masters train with the club and with South Beds Masters at their Tiddenfoot Sessions (see below).

At Modernian, There isn't a dedicated Masters squad. There are a small number of high quality men Masters, including Marcel Scholten and David Cartledge who are leading the County decathlon for the third year. Masters train with the Senior Squad and new members should contact Jo Stalley the Chairperson and Vicky Simpson our Head Coach.
Modernain Masters Training Sessions
Marcel trains with the Senior Squad in some of their sessions. David trains on his own at the local gym. Senior squad training sessions are at Bedford Modern School (BMS), Trinity Arts and Leisure Pool (TAL) and Bedford School (BS):
* Monday 5.45pm-6.45pm (Strength and Conditioning)
* Monday 6.45pm- 8.45pm (BMS)
* Tuesday 6.15am-7.45am (TAL)
* Tuesday 7.30pm- 9.00pm (BMS)
* Wednesday 6.30pm-7.45pm (Strength and Conditioning)
* Wednesday 7.45pm-9.00pm (BMS)
* Thursday 6.00pm-7.15pm (Strength and Conditioning)
* Thursday 7.15pm-9.00pm (BMS)
* Friday 6.00pm-9.00pm (Robinson Pool)
* Sunday 9.00am-11.00am (BMS)
* Sunday 8.00am-10.00am (Luton Inspire - by invitation)
* Sunday 4.45pm-5.45pm (BS)
* Sunday 6.00pm-7.30pm (BS)
(Information from Marcel Scholten and the Modernian SC Website)

At Putteridge (Luton), there are now over thirty Masters and Seniors. Their age groups utilise all the sections from 18-24 through to the 60-64 swimmers. The club fielded strong teams at the ER and National Champs and have a good open water team that includes Hannah Bennett who recently completed a solo channel swim. Lawrence Palmer was a British record breaker at the National Champs. Lewis King is their leading Decathlon all-rounder.
Putteridge Masters (25+) and Seniors (18-24) Training Sessions
* Tuesday – Inspire 5.45am – 7.15am
* Tuesday – Lea manor 7.30pm – 8.30pm
* Tuesday – Inspire 8.30pm – 10pm
* Thursday – Inspire 5.45am – 7.15am
* Thursday – Lea Manor 7pm – 8pm
* Saturday – Inspire 7am – 8am
* Saturday – Lea Manor 3.15pm – 4.15pm
* Sunday – Lea Manor 1pm – 2pm

At South Beds Masters. The club continues to grow and has reached its limit on water-time. It is searching to find pools to give it more water-time, at reasonable times of day. The club has a strong social activity and includes tri-athletes who compete in Masters events as well as competition swimmers. The club fielded strong teams at the ER and National Champs. The ladies team is particularly strong and led the National Decathlon competition for a short time during the year. Christine Ayres was a multiple ER record breaker and achieved a top ten position at the World Masters Champs (Montreal, Canada).
South Beds Masters Training Sessions
At Bletchley leisure Centre (25M)
* Monday 7.30pm to 9.30pm. Club Sessions.
At Tiddenfoot Leisure Centre. Leighton Buzzard (25M).
* Wednesday 8.00pm to 9.00pm as part of a Swim Fit session
Coached by South Beds Masters Coach John Bellis
(Information from John Bellis)

At Team Luton, the club is based at the new Inspire Sports Village with its 50M pool. There are about 25 Masters. Many are non-competitive Masters who train regularly. This year the men's team is very strong in the over 5o's and reached 9^th place in the National Decathlon and put in strong performances at the ER Champs and the Nationals. Graham Powell has given some record-breaking performances in backstroke and butterfly. John O'Rourke competed in the World Masters (at Montreal).
At the end of November, Team Luton Masters won the Etwall Eagles Non-Midland Top Team Trophy at the Queens Leisure Centre, Derby.

Photo: Alastair Gibb and Paul Clarke
Swimmers Alastair Gibb (50-54) who swam in seven events and Luton's oldest swimmer, Paul Clarke (70-74) who swam six, out-pointed Arfon and five other clubs to win.
Team Luton Masters Squad Training Sessions
The club has six training sessions each week.
At Inspire (configurable to 25M and 50M)
* Tuesday mornings from 5:45am to 7:15am (25M)
* Wednesday mornings from 5:45am to 7:15am (50M)
* Thursday evenings 7:00pm to 8:30pm (25M).
At Lewsey Park Pool (25M)
* Wednesday evenings from 7:25pm to 8.25pm.
* Saturday morning 8:00am to 9:00am and
* Sunday afternoon 3:30pm to 5:00pm.
Jane Cattle assists Pauline Harrington, taking the Masters squad training on Thursday evenings at Inspire.
(Information from Pauline Harrington)