NEWSLETTER  NO. 2                 NOVEMBER, 2007

This season is now well underway.  We welcome all our new members and hope you are in the swing of things and are enjoying the nights.   Remember to read your club booklets to understand the procedures of the club. 

ARE YOU GOING AWAY IN THE HOLIDAYS?

Here is some important housekeeping to keep you fully informed and to avoid disappointment.

Entries will not be accepted after the due dates:

SWIMATHON RESULTS

Swimmers turned out in record numbers for the Annual Club Swimathon.  36 swimmers took to the pool on Saturday 17th November with determination to swim as many laps as they could muster.  The weather was good to us and many parents were surprised by their enthusiasm.  Thanks to Co-ordinator, Cameron Morgan, and BBQ man, Brad Kidd.  All swimmers and lap counters received a free sausage sizzle at the conclusion of their effort.  Swimmers were also treated to lolly energy bursts.  Special recognition goes to Melanie Walsh (11), Ellen Schulze (12), Courtney Walsh (13) and Christine Kidd (15) for swimming the whole allotted time

of three hours. 

All sponsorship money needs to be returned within two weeks.  Please return sponsorship forms also, so a tally of kilometres can be calculated and reports finalised.  On the day various incentives were on offer.  All prizes and awards are to be announced at the Christmas Party on Monday 17^th December.  Those that return forms and money before then will be in the running.

Some swimmers were without lap-counters which left other parents juggling up to three swimmers.  This is not an easy task. Thanks to Corin Dobson for his support of the Swimathon.

And Thank you to all of the swimmers and lap-counters for making this Swimathon the best yet!!!!!

Congratulations to our  CLUB CAPTAINS  for this season:

Boys: Captain – Brenden Purcell                       Vice-Captain –  Roy Atherton

Girls: Captain – Christine Kidd                  Vice-Captain – Cherise Terry

The Club Committee receives nominations for Captain & Vice Captain.  Then a vote is taken by secret ballot at the Committee Meeting.

CTS OPEN & LONG DISTANCE MEET 25^TH NOVEMBER:

A squad of 37 members travelled to Bathurst on Sunday 25^th November for an Invitational and CTS Long Distance Meet. There were many PB’s and medals. Also State & Country Qualifying times. Results soon.

The CTS Championship meets will be held in February.  See Diary dates at the end of this newsletter.

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CENTRAL TABLELANDS DISTRICT SWIMMING:  Glenbrook Club is part of the Central Tablelands District which includes clubs from Bathurst,,Portland,Lithgow,Katoomba,Lawson and Springwood.  The Central Tablelands District Swimming will be conducting two championship meets as per last season. The first District Championship Meet is in February (dates are listed at the end of this newsletter). All entries are computerised and will only require a summary sheet this year. Entries, for both championship meets and the sprint meet, will close two weeks before the first carnival (Monday 21^st January). Anyone wanting to enter on the day of the carnival will be charged an extra $1.00 per swim.  The intention is to have programs for sale as a result of some requests.

CTS BOOKS are now available from Joanne Hale at a cost of $4 each and contain all the programs for the CTS summer season. Get in quickly as there aren’t many left.

CLUB COSSIES ARE HERE:  If you placed an order for the Glenbrook Club Costumes, they have arrived.  Please see the uniform table to collect your order.  If anyone is interested in costumes there are some extras that have been ordered: 1 x girls size 8 ($34), 2 x girls size 12 ($34 each), 1 x boys size 12 ($21).  There is also some older stock available: Speedo Chlorine Resistant- girls 8 and ladies 8: only $15 each. 

There is also a new Club Shirt size 6(small) $33 and old stock long sleeved jersey size 28(giant) $5. 

After shower hair wraps are available for $8 each.

FEMALE COSSIE FOR SALE: Nova Ladies size 8 swimmers - black and flame(orange/red/yellow). Brand new, worn once only (too small). Cost $38.00. Will sell for $28.00 ONO. See Karen or Ellen Schulze or call 47391932

STROKE CORRECTION for Glenbrook Swimming Club Members is continuing at Glenbrook Pool on Monday afternoons (before club) from 5.00pm - 6.00pm. This is FREE for members but pool entry will apply. Swimmers must be at least 6 years old and swim 25m unassisted. Parents are reminded to stay at the pool to oversee the supervision of their children.  This is a directive from Council.  Karen Terry is running the program with some of the club’s high level swimmers assisting: Roy Atherton, Cherise Terry, Ellen Schulze and Christine Kidd.  Monday’s program will concentrate on the strokes scheduled for that club night.   Monday has proved to be very popular and numbers are very encouraging.  Some of the children already participating have shown a huge improvement and are being targeted to become squad swimmers.

CHRISTMAS PARTY:  Monday night 17^th December is the Christmas Party night.  The theme is Christmas Colours.   So come dressed in red and green. The club has hired the pool inflatable and will be holding a free sausage sizzle.  There will also be some fun relays.  Could all families please bring a plate of food to share. 

The relays will comprise of a team of 4 swimmers.  All names are written on the back of one card.  All four times are added together to submit an overall time in seconds.  These will then be handicapped so that all relay races should finish together.  Team members may chose to swim their leg of the race in any stroke. If the team swims faster than their nominated time, the team will be disqualified.  They will be allowed to swim up to 8 seconds slower (i.e. 2 seconds each swimmer).  The winner will be the team that swims closest to their nominated time.  Awards will be given at Presentation night.  Start thinking about your team now.  Last year “Team Merrick” (a family of four swimmers) won this event.

CHRISTMAS HAMPER RAFFLE:  Tickets will go on sale shortly for the Christmas Hamper and other prizes.  Tickets will be $2 each or 3 tickets for $5. Drawn at the Christmas Party.

CHRISTMAS BREAK:  The club will break for two weeks over the Christmas holiday period. We finish on 17th December  and recommence on Monday 7th January, 2008. 

FAREWELL TO THE STALLARD’S:

Long time members, the Stallard Family, are relocating to the south Newcastle area in early December.  The club would like to wish them all the best for their move north and we say thanks for your support of the Club for the past five years.  Alexandra (Age 12)  has been a club and District representative at State, Country, Brophy and CTS. Hopefully members will be able to catch up with the Stallard’s at future Country Meets.  Alex will be transferring to the Novacastrian Club at Warners Bay.                                                                  …3/

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2008 COUNTRY REGIONAL MEET:  Our Club is targeting the Ulladulla Meet.  This meet is held over two days (26 & 27^th January).  We are anticipating a large squad to be in attendance.  The consensus amongst the swimmers was to pick a beach location this year.  Tentative accommodation has been booked at Burrill Lake Tourist Park.  At the time of printing there are only four cabins left –3 smaller Cabins (5 persons) + 1 larger cabin (6 persons) plus 4 tent sites.  Please call the park Toll Free on 1300 555 525 or 4455 2811 for bookings.  Mention “Glenbrook Swim Club”. There are other tent sites available for those keen. It is only a four minute drive to the pool from the Park.  More information is on the mobile notice board or see www.burrilllaketouristpark.com.au.  Get in quick to avoid missing out.

The same people have just taken over  the “Edgewater Motel” which is across the road from the Tourist Park.. www.shoalhaven.net.au/edgewater.  Phone: 02 4455 2604 . There are various rooms available up to $110 per night.  Another suggestion for accommodation is “Lake Tabourie Tourist Park” 10 minutes south of Ulladulla.

Glenbrook swimmers have had an enjoyable time at these meets in the past.  It is a terrific social weekend away and many come home with medals.  Keep in mind that Monday 28^th is the Public Holiday, so make a long weekend of it. Entries are due in to Joanne Hale by Monday 7^th January, 2008.

All swimmers aged 12-15 are encouraged to apply for selection for the Country Regional Camp.  NSW selectors base their decision on results from this meet.  This camp is very rewarding. Those interested should speak with our own past participants (Allyssa Hale, James Pike and Christine Kidd).

Other Regional meets are being held at Cootamundra and Coffs Harbour.

CLUB AGE CHAMPIONSHIPS:  All members are expected to participate in the club championships.  Swim the events applicable to your age grouping (i.e. age as at 1^st October 2007).  If a member has never attempted the event then this is a good opportunity to try it.  The first age championship night is 4^th February.  Cards need to be submitted two weeks in advance (i.e. 21st January). If you know you will be away in the January holidays then get your cards in now.  For convenience cards for every event can be submitted all at once. Championship cards are pink and will need to be purchased from the ladies table outside the canteen (10c each).  Any level of swimmer can compete in the championships.

REMINDER:  When filling out swim cards ensure the club number and NSW number are completed. There is provision for both numbers to be written on the inside front cover of your club booklet.  Please refer to this booklet for further information.  If cards are not completed properly this could result in no points being awarded.  For those unsure about their club numbers please speak to Karen Terry (Registrar) or the information table.

OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP SWIMMERS:  Please ensure your cards are entered two weeks in advance as entries will not be accepted after this time.  Also ensure the Event No., Best Time and date of birth are written on the card. 

WEBSITE:  Remember to check the website for the latest information.  All Open championship results can be viewed here.  Thanks to Kaz Suzuki for his efforts in keeping the website updated.

VOLUNTEERS:  All volunteers that help out on Monday club nights are entitled to a free raffle ticket for entry into the “Volunteers Prize”. Timekeepers please remember to return your stopwatches to the blue box.

REBEL DISCOUNT CARD:  All families are eligible to receive a Discount Card from Rebel.   When making purchases at Rebel, present this card at the checkout and receive a 5% discount (not applicable to sale items).  In return, Rebel will give the club credit to use in store.  See Leonie Kidd for more cards - hand out to friends and family.

REBEL SPORT VIP SHOPPING DAY/NIGHT – 20% OFF:  Rebel Sport Penrith would like to invite our members to their Annual VIP Christmas Shopping Day/Night. The Penrith store is offering 20% off purchases on Thursday 29^th November between the hours of 9.00 am – 9.00pm.  The Club  will benefit by receiving a 5% rebate. See  the notice board for more info. Remember to take along your Rebel Discount Card and mention “Glenbrook Swimming Club”. Discount applies storewide.  See information table for more cards for friends and family.

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BBQ NIGHTS – Thanks to our regular helpers on the BBQ nights – Phil & Michele Young, Donald Pearson and Merril Leys.

SUNBLOCK –  The Club has sunblock available to purchase.  Tubes are $6 and Roll-ons $5.

Most children will have the school swimming scheme this term and will need some sunscreen. Throw some in their swimming bag.  We have boxes available to take away and sell to friends and workmates.  This will add to our fundraising efforts this season. See Cameron Morgan.

CLUB RECORDS:  Already this season the  following records have been broken:

MAYA SUZUKI:  12 years 50m Freestyle 29.98,  Open (Joint) 50m Free 29.98,

 Age & Open 100m Free 1:05.87

CHRISTINE KIDD:  15 years 50m Freestyle 29.98, 100m Freestyle 1:06.51, 100m Backstroke 1:16.98,

 Age & Open 200m Backstroke 2:48.17, Open (Joint) 50m Free 29.98

WILLIAM HEALEY:  13 years 50m Backstroke – 35.38, 100m Backstroke – 1:16.02

AARON YOUNG:  20-24 years 50m Freestyle 26.99, 100m Backstroke 1:20.56, 100m Freestyle 1:02.23

RUSSELL MERRICK:  35-39 years 50m Freestyle 28.53,  100m Freestyle 1:03.19

CLUB NOTICE BOARD:  It is located on the wall near the disabled toilet ramp  Please check this regularly for news and upcoming carnivals.  It currently has the qualifying times for Country & State Championships as well the Regional program.  We also have a notice board that is brought out each Monday night with relevant information for members.

STATE QUALIFIERS:  The new year brings some tough competition for our higher level swimmers with the Summer State Age Championships to be held in January at Homebush.  There will be plenty of hard training sessions over the next six weeks. The club wishes all qualifiers  the best of luck.

CARNIVALS – If any member is interested in competing at carnivals please see Joanne Hale.  NSW Swimming has a monthly booklet that lists all carnivals held throughout the state.  Carnivals are great for racing experience and are also very exciting.

RECORD ATTEMPS, LONG DISTANCE SWIMS AND QUALIFYING TIMES – these are to be referred to Leonie Kidd. A different coloured card is to be used for each of these swims.   Do not put these cards in with the point score cards.  For non-scheduled record attempts, cards need to be given to Leonie one week in advance.  All 800m & 1500m swims will now be required to be entered one week in advance with an indication of best time on the card.  These distances will not be accepted on the night. This is to ensure enough time is allowed to swim these distances.  If you are attempting a qualifying time and club record you will need 2 cards.

CARDS: Orange – Qualifying Time cards; Yellow – record cards; Pink – championship cards; Light blue – pointscore cards

IN OTHER NEWS:

* Committee members are reminded to bring in the donations for the Christmas Hamper.

* Packs of 8 Christmas Cards are for sale for $2.  See the ladies at the table outside the canteen.

* Fiona Webster has some firewood (large rounds logs of gum & liquid amber) for sale. Cost is a ‘donation’.

* The embroidered towel raffle, held early on, was won by Michelle Walsh. Congratulations.

JOB VACANCY!  Casual position for Maternity Absence for Penrith Accountant's Office.
Role is Staff Support/Reception.  We require someone for general office duties, reception work and to
provide support for the accounting staff to start in January 2008.  Must be computer literate.
Training will be provided.  Contact the Manager Denis Merrick or Russell Merrick.

Phone:  47313044  Fax:  02 4732305  Email: denis@denismerrick.com.au

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SAFETY PROBLEMS:

All Swimmers, parents and spectators need to be aware of the safety procedure should an incident occur around the pool.  If there are any safety issues on pool deck that may cause injury; firstly speak to a pool attendant who will make out a report.  Then speak to the Referee or an official to report the incident as well.  It could be someone slipping over or blocks moving.  This is relevant to our pool and any other pool/meet attended.

DID YOU KNOW THERE WAS A GLENBROOK SWIMMING CLUB BACK IN 1913 !!!!

Attached to this newsletter is an article an ex-member found when doing some local history research.  This article was printed on 11^th April, 1913 in “The Blue Mountain Echo”.  It mentions a carnival held on the Nepean River to honour the three explorers – Blaxland, Wentworth and Lawson.  Well worth a read.  Thanks to Paul Ennis for supplying the article.

SOME IMPORTANT DATES FOR YOUR DIARY:

17th December , 2007     Club Christmas Party.  Please bring a plate of food.

26th -27th January, 2008     Country Regional Meets – targeting Ulladulla

3rd February, 2008                      CTS 1st Championship Carnival, Glenbrook - 10.00am start

4th February, 2008                       Start of Club Age Championships (cards due in 21/1/08)

9th February, 2008                      Speedo Sprint Meet Heats - Katoomba – 1.00pm start

10th February, 2008                     CTS 2nd Championship Carnival - Lithgow - 10.00am start

23rd & 24th February, 2008   NSW Country Championships - Homebush

30th March 2008                             Brophy Meet, Canberra

3rd May, 2008                  Presentation Night – Glenbrook Primary School Hall

                                                                       Time:  TBA

Please remember the Glenbrook Swimming Club committee meetings are held the 3rd Tuesday of every month at the Pool commencing at 7.30 pm.  An invitation is extended to all members.  You are most  welcome to attend.