Swimming New Zealand homepage

The start of something extraordinary

Gonville swim club reunion

A former Wanganui swimming club is remembering its 80 years of history with a reunion for past swimmers, supporters and partners at the end of next month.

The reunion, brought about after former club mates were reunited through the New Zealand Masters Games, will take place over two days on the 24th and 25th of October.

The organising committee led by former world championship and Commonwealth Games swimmer Jane Low says interest in the reunion has been great so far and they have developed a great programme of events for the weekend.

On Saturday 24 at Gonville School there will be a meet and greet, photo viewing, and tours of the baths if possible. Activities on Sunday morning will take place at the Splash Centre.

On Saturday evening a highlight of the reunion will be guest speaker Robin Hood at a dinner at the Wanganui Golf Club. Robin got his start at the club as a springboard diver and went on to win four New Zealand titles, one Australian title and was a finalist in the 1966 Kingston Commonwealth Games.

He has been a Judge and Referee at nine Commonwealth Games, seven Olympic Games, nine World Championships and eight FINA Grand Pix’s. In addition he has been a TV commentator at two Olympic Games and an international administrator and diving judge teacher at numerous FINA judging schools throughout the world.

Organisers are also calling for anyone with images, stories and memorabilia from the club to pass this on for them to put together with other history from the club for those who attend to see and purchase a book of the clubs history.

Anyone interested in attending the reunion is encouraged to complete the registration form or contact Lynne from Splash Centre or organisers Jane Lowe or Maree Adams.

Registrations will be accepted until 21 October.