The annual Honiton Swimming Club Presentation night was a resounding success, writes Margaret Bargmann.

The large attendance by club members and their families at the Throgmorton Hall in Dunkeswell contributed to a warm and intimate evening.

The combination of a concise AGM over supper, and the smooth presentation of medals and trophies, showed parents how far the swimming club has come over the last three years.

Coach, Ralph Watson, can be, and is most certainly, proud of these young swimmers. They are disciplined, committed and incredibly confident.

This was evident by the manner in which they each took to the stage to provide anecdotes about their experiences during this past year of swimming.

There were stories about change room chats, morning session fatigue and laughter, gratitude towards the coach and comments about the feelings of inclusion by all the swimmers, both younger and older.

This interlude was a lovely touch and was the highlight of the evening for swimmers, parents, coaches and committee members judging by the laughter and applause.

The eleven swimmers who took part in the Devon County Championships held over three weekends in March at the Plymouth Life Centre, were each given a small prize as a token of recognition. This has been the highest number of Honiton swimmers to take part in a gala on this level, for many years.

Parents were able to thank the chief committee members: Sharon Vaughan, Stuart Vaughan and Ralph Lynch for the sterling job they have done over the past three years to make the running of the club more professional and sustainable. They were swiftly nominated back into position.

The Swimmer of the Year Trophy went to Tabitha Vaughan.

The Most Improved Female Swimmer Award went to Emily Dixon while The Most Improved Male Swimmer Award went to Mathew Bloomfield.

Tiegan Chipping received an award for achieving the most personal bests this year and Graham Rooms was awarded a trophy for The Most Outstanding Contribution to the club. Aimee Vaughan and Ollie Vercoe were nominated by the coach, to remain as club captains, for another year.