Swimming club stays afloat thanks to generous supporters

Supporters of Godalming Amateur Swimming Club have helped raise over £5,000 to keep the organisation afloat after its finances took a big hit due to Covid-19.

The club, which is based at Godalming Leisure Centre, has been running for 45 years, and is open to swimmers of all ages and abilities. Members compete in both internal and external galas and a wide range of social events is held each year.

But the Coronavirus put a stop to all that. The abrupt closure of pools across the country, a ban on meetings and lockdown saw all its activities grind to a halt.

In an appeal on fundraising site Crowdfunder, the club asked townsfolk for their support.

"Since March and due to the Covid-19 crisis, we've been unable to give our members pool time," the club said.

"Swimming is a fantastic sport and we have over 200 local people of all ages who are desperate to get back to the pool. Land training in our living rooms and keeping in touch over Zoom can only go so far!

"GASC made the decision to stop collecting training fees during this period of inactivity. However, our reserves were not designed for a crisis of this duration and so we have been looking at other ways to make sure our club remains in existence for many years to come."

The club was looking at a potential loss of £10,000, from lost fees and income from meetings and social events. It has had to cancel its September meet, which is traditionally a big fundraiser. It also faces bigger bills on its return to the pool, with social distancing measures meaning it will have to pay for more pool time and more hours with the club's coaches.

The statement went on: "Money raised will be crucial to keep the club financially viable and able to offer high-quality swim training in the Godalming area. We need to retain and support our coaches, help build a club hardship fund to support members going through financial difficulties, and ensure we get swimmers back to the pool."

"The club also organises and funds the popular Godalming Junior Schools Swim Gala every year and we want to be able to keep running this."

The club's Crowdfunder campaign was supported by Sport England, which offered a boost of up to £1,500 if members could raise £3,000 by the end of July.

They also got the backing of Godalming businesses, who offered prizes for a draw.

The Greenhouse donated three bouquets; The Star Inn offered a meal for two and two pints: Godalming Delights gave a £5 voucher; Thyme for Tea offered a £10 voucher; lifestyle and nutrition consultant Louise Field offered a consultation. Two GASC goody bags and three months' free training were also up for grabs.

Club secretary Claire Marks said she was delighted with the response: the final total raised was £5,135.

"We are very grateful to everyone who donated, and to local businesses for their support," she told Nub News.

"We look forward to welcoming new members once we are up and running again."