Latest News

Sunday Cancellation Dates for your Diary

There will be no training on the following Sundays due to Open Meets at the ARC.

19/09/2021

03/10/2021

31/10/2021

05/12/2021

26/12/2021

09/01/2022

20/02/2022

27/02/2022

13/03/2022

20/03/2022

25/09/2022

Welcome Back

We are excited to be back on 8th June 2021 - returning to Matlock’s original groups.  This allows for progressive training to resume. If you are unsure what group you were in please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Before Returning to swimming it is essential swimmers renew their ASA swim membership (please email Ian Bowler on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.), completed consent to train/health forms (those who completed the form for land training do not need to complete another one) and restart direct debit payments.

The following rules will be reviewed and updated in accordance with Government guidance and Swim England recommendations.

Before/After training

• Lateral flow test if you are over the age of 11 and masters
• Any illnesses/injuries to be discussed with coaches before committing to attending training – this is by text, or whatsapp 07706 730493, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ASAP
• Please use the Track and Trace QR code via the NHS COVID app, and hand sanitizer.
• Showering at home pre and post swim
• Clean clothing /come beech ready (parents will be able to access facilities where club members need support; but following the ARC guidelines)

During training

• Swimmers are in their original groups unless directed by coaches. Swimmers will be sub divided into lanes each session.
• Covid Liaison Officers (CLO) will register swimmers on arrival to poolside
• Over 18 need to be in groups of 10 to a lane. We may use opposite ends of the pool and longer rests / land work.
• Swimmers are to social distance where possible on poolside and in the changing areas – avoiding showering and changing where possible.
• When the club has exclusive use of the pool we will apply the one-way system, entry sit under the window – exit down the blue chairs.
• When the public share the space, register on arrival form at the end of your lane. Be advised by your coach on the safest way to social distance, as dynamic risk assessments of the area will be completed and decisions made on positioning of club members to reduce risks.
• Parents can spectate – please follow all the ARC guidelines.
• Swimmers will be slightly staggered getting out after a swim session.
• Parents can collect and change younger swimmers again adhering to Arc procedures.
• Diving block will return and swimmers should rinse touch points with pool water between swimmers.
• No sharing equipment or changing cubical
• No bags on poolside please - Lockers will be in use, it is the swimmers responsibility to wipe down lockers and cubical.
• Swimmers are encouraged to wear PPE; face covering, wipes and hand sanitizer, unless exempt
• Swimmers will return to swimming clockwise and anti-clockwise to prevent collisions.

If someone Contacts COVID 19.

• If you have COVID19 symptoms follow government guidelines, and inform the club.
• Get tested immediately. If you test positive for Covid-19, government guidelines of track and trace must be adhered to.
• Swimming may increase the risks of isolation – which is why the riles of training are important to follow.  Social distancing and regular handwashing are both of high importance to protect the club members.
• The club committee will monitor the safety of the club and review guidance, to alter club rules or stop at any time. This will only occur where there has been a local or national change to the infection
• If a parent or family member gets Covid 19 please ensure the household is isolating - do not let your swimmer train.

The Covid Lead Liaison Officer is Gail Cross – report any issues or positive test to her This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Amended Timetable Matlock Swimming Club June 2021

The club cannot guarantee who is coaching each session due to staffing fluctuations and therefore any one of the club coaches and training team will be in charge of your child/ren.
 
Fees are to be set up for payment from 15th June 2021:

MAD A/c 80698174 Sort Code 60 01 33 (Bakewell Branch Natwest)
 

 
If you have any questions or concerns please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
 
The Committee

Download the Health Survey and Consent form here.   Note: if you have filled out this form for land training you do not need to fill out this form again. Those who do not fill out this form prior to returning to swimming will not be able to swim.

Ripley Rascals Open Meet

Ripley Rascals will be holding their January Open Meet on 9th Jan 2022 at the Arc.  It is advertised as one of the last chances to gain or improve on your County qualification times ready for the County Champs in Feb 2022 

This one usually fills up very quickly, please can we ask that all entry forms are returned to Mr Bowler either by email or physical copy before Thursday 30th September and payment made to the club account.

Entry Form

URGENT: Change to Sunday sessions

All swimming sessions will start half an hour early (4.15) on a Sunday starting from tomorrow due to staffing issues at the ARC.

Please check the main pool timetable here for new times: Main Pool Timetable.

Covid notices and AGM

One Way System  

The one-way system is working well, keep looking out for the Matlock logos and follow the Arc Swimming lessons signs. Please don't arrive too early, come beach ready.
All groups are to use the one way system ,parents of TP swimmers please wait with your child/children until the swimming teacher is present at the one way system entry via the team changing area.

Collection point is as normal at the normal exit, please social distance.

Main pool swimmers

Only Tuesday / Wednesday / Thursday swimmers can wait on the blue chairs in a socially distanced manner. The CLO (covid laison officers) will be their to support. 
On Friday and Sunday please wait under the score board and use the full pool one way system.

Consent Forms

We have nearly all consent forms returned now; any outstanding consent forms please email them to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. as soon as a matter of urgency. If you cannot do it don’t start/stop swimming.

It would be appreciated if those swimmers who are not definitely not returning to the club advise Mr Bowler by email - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

AGM

The Club’s AGM not take place in the Community Room at the Arc. It will now take place on the Arc playing fields on 23/6/21, commencing 8 pm. This is an unusual place, but we find ourselves in unusual circumstances. It had been hoped that by then we would have been released from the handcuffs of lock-down. To comply with the law only members must attend and  participation will be limited to 30. Please therefore indicate if you wish to attend by emailing Mr Bowler (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). If more than 30 members wish to attend it will be cancelled.

It's good to see you all back. Well done and enjoy your swimming.
 
Chris Hallas
Chair

Mandatory – You must register to Swim

The Arc advise that whilst swimmers are registering an attendance (email dated 9/6/21 refers), some are not providing all the requried information (name, address, contact no.). That information can be provided via the NHS App or in the register, upon arrival. If all the relevant information is  not provided do not be surprised if you are denied admission to the pool. The Arc reserves the right to deny you entry. Swim England have advised that we cannot provide the information on your behalf, although the Club keeps its own register of attendees.
 
Please remember to follow the one-way system operating upon arrival and when departing the pool.
 
Please direct any queries to your COVID Officer, Gail Cross.
 
Chris Hallas
Chair

Return to Swimming 2021 - make it a date!

At long last some good news.

Swimming will resume on 8/6/21.

Direct debits are to be set up for 15th June and each month thereafter.

An interim temporary fee for short term use will be published shortly along with a slightly amended timetable prior to our return.

The process of returning is likely to throw up a few problems. If we all work together normal services will be resumed sooner rather than later.

The AGM is planned for 23/6/21, subject to Government and Swim England guidance.

Time and venue to follow. Mr Bowler will send out the usual information in due course. If you fancy a stint on the Committee, get your nomination in. In addition to the nomination of officers and reports the new constitution will be adopted. This is attached and has been approved by the current Committee, and mirrors the template issued by Swim England.  Download the new constitiution here.

The Committee

Mr Bowler, says "Thank you"

Mr B, sends his thanks for all the messages sent via Gail for his recent birthday.

A.S.A. Membership Renewal 2021

The Swim England 2021 annual membership fees are now due.  Could you please let us know if you intend to resume swimmiming as and when we are allowed.

If we do not hear from you by 31st January 2021 we will assume that you are not returning and your  Swim England membership will not be renewed.

Swim England fees 2021 are.

• Competitive swimmers £38.
• Non competitive and T.P. swimmers £20.
• All other members i.e. committee, officials and lifeguards will be renewed unless notified otherwise.

Bank details are.
Nat West Bakewell branch.
Sort code 60 01 33
Account no. 80698174

Please reply to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Derbyshire County Champs Report - Week 2

Following on from last week’s successes the swimmers once again swam fantastically, making several finals and once again making podium positions. This year the swimmers have shown a real desire to achieve, there has been significant improvements to underwater work and finishes over both weekends. Swimmers are applying skills to racing with much greater ease. The younger end of the club show so much promise and we will encourage to get more of the younger members at the Derbyshires next year, qualification times to the Derbyshire’s aren’t easy. Gaining qualification times for counties is a club goal for all swimmers from Dev 2 to Club 3. We had 30 swimmers in total racing and would like to congratulate them all.

Abi, Ben, Brandon, Callum, Chloe, Daniel, Emily, Ethan, Evie, Fin. Freya, Francesca, Hannah, Izzy, Isabella, Jake, Jeska, Katie, Logan, Martha, Matt, Max, Nathan, Oli, Rory, Tom, Toby E, Toby M, Zara, Zach.

Weekend 1
78 events swam – 58 swims personal best times

Weekend 2
72 events swam – 57 swims personal best times

The next stage of training will be geared around a small decrease in training load for those that have competed then straight into focusing on Derby and Worksop Open meet, where we hope to increase the swimmers chance of gaining regional times, improve on performances and have fun. We have started to look at Open water opportunities for those swimmers wishing to compete on the Midland Champs again this year.

We have one swimmer potentially looking at gaining National qualifications, this will require a team effort to encourage the best possible outcome.

In addition to the swimming achievements this weekend Hattie Davies is now National Champion at 800m in the indoor Athletic Championships. Well done Hattie.

Derbyshire County Champs Report - Week 1

No report can justify how good this weekend has been, personal best times, club records, podium positions, regional times and joy! The younger swimmers all did great swims, the teenage girls had the classic highs and lows and the boys were consistent all week. There is one story that needs telling.

The roof went off when Tom Burch did the 100m fc – in the heats he gained a personal best time, he then had to do a swim off for the final as Tom and another lad had the same time so they had to swim against each other to make the final. Tom being Tom, strolled on the poolside very relaxed and a little annoyed he had to postpone his lunch break. While Tom was casually making his way up to the block, where the other Long Eaton swimmer was clearly preparing for the swim off. Tom shook his hand and snapped into race mode. Back to back the swimmers were on the block – Tom did his “classic Burch style start” stood tall on the block looked forward with confidence and the two swimmers battled against each other on all 4 lengths it was nail biting exciting and stunning to watch. They both hit the same time in the swim off – a point blank draw again in a time of 55.61. 100m Fc hurts, both boys clearly didn’t want to race again and, then do the final too. They settled for the game "rock / paper / scissors" for the place in the final. Tom managed to win this technical game, we always win the best things at Matlock. However Tom decided to give the final place to the Long Eaton swimmer, Tom said I have PB'd two times in one day, i'm happy you swim it. Torn weather we were a little annoyed he had given up his chance to swim or really proud of his sportsmanship we weren’t too sure at first. But as we thought about his gesture it was the nicest thing Tom could do. Tom had pushed himself to his limit and he was happy and he had nothing to prove to anyone, he had hit the target of 55 given to him by Gary at the beginning of the year, he had swam well, achieved what he wanted to do, two personal best times in less than 30mins and he was content with himself. He could see how much the other lad wanted to do it and he gave someone else the opportunity, he didn’t give it away, what he did was give someone else a chance making everyone happy, swimming isn’t about positions, what does it really matter 8th or 9th if he was lucky maybe he could have made it a 7th but the truth was the position was irrelevant, unimportant it simply was a number on a bit of paper. He had fun, pushed his limits, felt sick, couldn’t breathe and did Matlock more than proud. The audience stood and cheered with admiration, Matlock was getting recognised and Matlock made history today.  

The moral of this story is don’t feel pressured, just do your best, swim for yourself and swim for life. 

Congratulation to Toby Marshall, Brandon Hotham and Tom on regional qualification times.

Outstanding swimming from Max Marshall who was an absolute mini machine this weekend. 

In addition it was great to have Development 1,2,3 practicing their race skills in a specific session held at Bakewell, thank you all for coming.

Triathletes Ellen Patton, Lizzie Webster and Elspeth Grant flew out to Mallorca this weekend on a 7 day training camp for East Midlands Academy on a talent programme for GB triathlon ahead of the 2020 triathlon season. These girls are extremely talented on so many levels and it’s great to have them swimming at Matlock – this week they will be enjoying a 50m outdoor pool, smooth roads to cycle, epic hillys to climb and a lot of running in the sunshine – no doubt high of Lizzie’s agenda will also be topping up the tan. Well done girls and enjoy! Then back to proper swimming !!!

Ripley Rascals Open Meet Report

This weekend saw us kick off the first of 2020 targeted Open Meets. Some great swims and positive outcomes from the swimmers who attended.

Matlock swimmer of the meet Zak Hubbard.

I tell Zak to swim fast, he swims fast, I tell Zak to do a PB, he does a PB...

Matlock 2020 motto ...'Swim like Zak'

Well done to all those who attended. Let's build on an excellent start into the next meets. If you haven't entered then be quick.

Open Meet Reports - 7/8th December 2019

Bassetlaw Open meet 3 day level 3

Some excellent swimming across the board, bags of pb's and a good haul of medals we had 19 top 3 positions over the 3 days.

It was a targeted meet selected for its purpose and to progress the swimmers accordingly. It was the first time we had done Bassetlaw open and we will definitely be going back, as it offered a big range of races and had a brilliant relaxed environment, awesome spot prizes and skins events.

With only 12 swimmers, this is still too low, we encourage you all to race where possible this gala was suitable for dev 3 to club 3, guys you need to start venturing to galas other than at the Arc, it really does benefit your swimming and your race experience.

Well done to all involved.

Derbyshire Masters championships - Etwall

6 swims 6 Derbyshire titles , 5 from Lucie Wainwright and 1 from Diane Lee.

Older members, it is something you can do and could give you a different outlook and outcome goal to your training.

A lot of you race in other spheres but it's still worthwhile race stimuli that you will benefit from. Plus you may have some fun.

Club Records Return - a chance to go down in history

This year we are going to develop new Club Records. Club Records are a database of all the fastest ever times achieved from a Matlock swimmer within each age category and each event. All coaches have been pushing to get the Club records back up and running for a long time, we have attempted on several occasions but found it hard to ensure they are accurate. Therefore we are starting from scratch. No times will count as club records if they were achieved before the 15th November 2019. We feel this is the fairest way to restart the records accurately. Therefore at the club champs every event and in every age category has the potential to start the records rolling.

The aim of the records is to inspire swimmers, increase in house competition, help build swimmers drive to chase goals and to get their name in the history book so to speak. Between now and the 1st January 2020, we will keep the record up to date with out you prompting us a record has been broken. After this date if you think you have a record, you must hand in a record slip which will be downloadable off the website and fill in the details accurately within a 3 month period of you gaining the time for it to be valid. The times must be done at a gala with officials and proof of results will need to be shown, no training times can be counted.  The record claiming system is standard procedure, from national level to club level. It isn’t the clubs responsibility to check if you have achieved the record, we are just here to validate it for you. If you don’t tell us, your record will not stand.

Club records are a big job, but we are determined to get them back up and running but please be patient and please kindly let us know if we have made any mistakes, we will have a lot of results to go through following the club champs and Derbyshire sprint championships. Club records will go on the website shortly after the 3rd Club championships sessions.

Combined ages are 7-8 years and 16-20years. Swimmers over the age of 20 years will use National rankings and will not be included in the club records. We are aiming this at the children that compete regularly. There will be records for short course and long course events.

Gary

Get better results by improving your nutrition

With all the up and coming open Meets etc it may be worthy of note for swimmers (and parents) to read in preparation for training / competition and general good practice, performance can be and is directly proportionate to the way we fuel our bodies, together with correct hydration will all play a pivotal role in being able to perform at your best.

Download Nutrition Guidelines for Swimmers/Athletes

This information can also be found on this website here.

Subscriptions Increase

You may not have appreciated, but club subscriptions have not been increased since March 2017. Unfortunately, to make the club financially sustainable, that must change. Market forces, including a recent increase in the cost of pool hire have had a dramatic impact on the financial sustainability of your club.  Your club is community-based; your subscriptions (which go towards pool hire, lifeguards, coaching and teaching) make it work and without them it would not exist. There is no income from any other source. Every penny really does count. The club is committed to keeping the new pricing structure until January 2021. In addition, ASA membership will have to be paid in the New Year.

From 01 January 2020 monthly subscriptions are as follows:

Some current subscriptions are in arrears or being paid at the wrong rate. Can you therefore please ensure that your payments are up to date prior to 31/12/19. The Club does not want to be faced with the embarrassing position of turning swimmers away when subscriptions are in arrears.

You are reminded that the current subscriptions are as follows:

The Committee
1/10/19

Results: 7th MAD Level 3 Open Meet - 29th Sep 2019

Well done to all the Matlock swimmers at this year's MAD Open Meet.  Yet again lots of PBs, so well done everybody.

And many thanks to all the helpers and volunteers for helping the event to run so smoothly.

Here's a link to the results: 7th MAD Open Meet - 29th Sep 2019

Open Meet Report

Just a brief write up of yesterday’s achievements, firstly without the committee and the parents Matlock couldn’t run such a wonderful event so Thank you to all involved in the organising and running of the day. It was great to have more parents helping and great to see the Club captains taking very active roles on the day. Jobe looked great in his high viz.

From the coaching side of things, we had targeted and trained for the open meet, but the amount of seconds swimmers were knocking off their personal best times was even more than we expected so we are super happy. Its early season, and for Club 3 swimmers it was pretty much the first race of the season.

Swimmers swam really well all day and the atmosphere was great to be around. A special well done to Niamh L and Sam H who don’t often race, and both swam really well.

We did have several disqualifications, but we would like to point out this wasn’t just our club, we have spoken as coaches on how we are going to work and develop backstroke turns (as this is the major DQ area). We will implement this in training over the next few weeks. It is really important that when practicing race skills in training we do them at race speed.

Disqualifications will happen, DQ’s are a learning curve and it happens to everyone at some point, they're not something to look negatively at and we as coaches weren’t disappointed by the DQ's we had, we were very proud of some of the younger swimmers taking on more difficult events. They were brave enough to have ago at the distance events and more technical events.

44 Matlock swimmers were involved, which we still feel is a little low and is something we will continue to encourage we need higher participation rates at galas.

In the past it’s sometimes the boys we struggle to get racing but yesterday we had absolutely amazing swims by the boys, it’s safe to say they all were on fire, a special well done to Zac H, his progression over the last year has been incredible. Happy coaches and most importantly happy swimmers, well done all involved.

Gary McCaffery

Introducing the First Fundamental Games

We welcome all swimmers in Matlock swimming club who are under 7 years old and can’t take part in the club championships. The Fundamental Games are an opportunity to enjoy some small fun competitions. These will include small group games, relays and even a few party games.

The aim of this session is to provide an enjoyable competitive atmosphere for the very young end of the club. There are no entry forms, swimming will be organised into teams on the day, all events and games are optional so no one needs to feel any pressure.

All events will run in the small pool, parents can watch from the spectator’s gallery. Club training for the big pool will take place as normal but there will be no TP1 or TP2 lessons. TP3 and TP4 will run as normal if a possible 5min delayed start, for teacher cross over. It might be advisable to bring a towel on to poolside to prevent getting cold between activities. 

If you would like to attend, please add your name to the list on the notice board downstairs at the ARC.

Date – Friday 8th November 2019

Time – 6.00pm – 7.00pm

Small prizes will be awarded on the evening.

ALL 7 TO 8 YEAR OLDS ARE ENCOURAGED TO TAKE PART IN THE CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS.

Athlete / Swimmer Workshop

I will be holding a workshop on a Tuesday evenings from 6;30 to 7;30 in the community room at the Arc leisure centre.

The workshop will consist of various topics from strength and conditioning, mobility, stretching, muscle fascia release, mental race preparation, nutrition and sports specific exercises designed to help you function and perform as an athlete and /or swimmer.

Most of the activities will be body weight exercises but it maybe necessary for your comfort and ongoing practice that you purchase some small items that you can keep in your kit bag.

The workshop at the onset will be open to Club 2 and 3 swimmers and those Masters who are regularly competing and representing the club.

There will be a fee payable of £2.50.

I look forward to seeing as many there as can make it, and providing you with a plethora of new skills and knowledge acquisition.

Gary McCaffery
Sports Performance Coach