Abbey Swimming Club gifts £23,000 to local charities as it closes after over 30 years supporting community swimmers.

The Abbey Swimming Club, located at the Milton Abbey School Pool, had its first swimming session on Tuesday 14 June 1988. The club was run solely by volunteers – including volunteer lifeguards, volunteer swimming teachers and all committee members. For almost 32 years (until it was forced to close in March 2020 due to Covid-19) it held around four swimming sessions per week for members, who ranged from a few months old to the over-80s.

Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance during the Abbey Swimming Club’s farewell reception

For over 30 years the club ran a busy programme of children’s and adult’s swimming lessons, catering for all ages and abilities. It was also a valued social club, holding regular events to raise funds, such as New Year’s Eve barn dances, summer barbecues, skittles evenings and quiz nights. Since 2001 it was actively involved with the Milton Abbas Street Fair and ran the cream tea stall. The whole swimming community came together at these events.

After COVID the club was hoping to re-open at the Milton Abbey School Pool. Unfortunately under new safeguarding rules the school would only allow the club to access the pool during some school holidays. So, sadly, the members voted to wind up the club in September 2022.
On the evening of Wednesday 18 January, a farewell reception was held at the Milton Abbas Reading Rooms. The club assets have been distributed to local charities chosen by club members and the following cheques were presented during the evening:
£7,000 to Wimborne Wagtails – a Dorset-based swimming club for the disabled. The cheque was received by the club chairman, Julian Vernon.
£7,000 to Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. The cheque was received by Becky Heath.
£7,000 to Weldmar Hospicecare – a Dorset-based charity providing specialist end of life care. The cheque was received by Marie Notley.
£2,000 to Milton Abbas Street Fair. The cheque was received by the chairman, Freddie Robinson.

Representations from each organisation were present and said a few words of thanks and described how much the donation would mean for their organisation.