AGM
On Tuesday 24th May we held the club’s AGM. Again we were unable to meet in person, although this year due to a burst water main at Moss Side. Thanks to those who attended on Zoom. The post of Saturday Rep remains unfilled but we are actively looking for someone to take on the role. If you feel that you would be interested then please speak to a member of the committee as there may be an option to co-opt someone into the role before the next AGM. Minutes from the AGM are available on the Club website for anyone who was unable to attend.
Friday swims
Following member feedback and also great attendance recently from members both old and new, the committee have been looking into the possibility of starting a fourth session. Discussions have been going on for some time but due to lack of pool availability, we haven’t been able to put anything in place. A slot has recently become available and whilst the day/time isn’t ideal for everyone, the club has committed to running the session as a trial.
| Where: | Moss Side Leisure Centre |
| When: | Friday 10th, 17th and 24th June @ 9pm |
Edwin’s plan for the sessions is to focus on technique so if your turns are slowing you down, you're looking to perfect your catch, or you just can’t get the hang of fly then these could be the ideal sessions for you.
Let Edwin know of anything specific you’d like to look at and he’ll try and work it into his sets. Please email him at coach@northernwave.org.
Booking will open 7 days before the first session, so you can book your first one from 3rd June onwards.
Pride poll
As part of the AGM, we held a discussion on the club’s attendance at various Pride events.
As a committee, over the last few months, we have adopted a temporary shift towards supporting local pride events. We feel that this is a great way to engage with the local community and remind people that there is more to the LGBTQ+ community than the Village. Further, local events like Pride on the Range generally help raise awareness of the club and we see a lot of enquiries from prospective members.
That being said, we do understand that Manchester Pride is a key annual event for our community and it has been a great event that we have attended in the past. Not only is it an opportunity for us to promote the club, but seeing our presence in the parade could be crucial for someone wanting to get involved with sport whilst navigating their way through the LGBTQ+ world.
There is an opportunity for us to attend Manchester Pride and walk in the parade this year. Events like this take a lot of time to plan, and we particularly need support and commitment from members in order to ensure that we have the requisite numbers to make sure that our presence in the parade is felt.
A poll has been created on Facebook asking which types of Pride events you would attend on behalf of the club. Please do add your votes here as your opinions will help with the decision.
We do appreciate that not all members are on Facebook so if you want to add a vote alternatively, or just add some further views on this topic, please email secretary@northernwave.org or speak to one of the committee members.
Hathersage
We have been able to book the club’s annual outdoor swim at Hathersage on the 3rd July. Further details will follow in due course, but do get the date in your diary now and keep your fingers crossed for some good weather!
Pride picnic
The inaugural Northern Wave Pride Picnic was a great success and so it should come as no surprise that the committee has decided to hold another picnic in Alexandra Park on Sunday 28th August.
Now as well as being passionate swimmers we know there are a lot of avid bakers out there and some of you can be quite competitive, so this year we are adding a baking competition into the mix. I’m sure any test bakes can be happily sampled in the pub during the coming weeks!
Look out for more details nearer the time.
Saturday session times
Now that the universities have finished for the summer the MAC has offered us the option of changing our Saturday timeslot. The options are 3-4pm, 4-5pm or 5-6pm. We don’t have to change if we don’t want to, but a poll has been produced on our website to get some feedback from members before a decision is made. You can give your feedback here.
August closure of the MAC
Unfortunately, we’ve been informed by the MAC that due to the ongoing building works they are going to have to close the training pool during August. This means we will lose our Saturday session during that time.
The committee is looking into alternative venues for the weeks that will be disrupted, but pool space is tight at the moment so we can’t guarantee that we’ll find something suitable. We’ll keep you updated over the coming weeks.
Booking and paying for your swim sessions
Please don't forget that you need to book your Club swim sessions to guarantee that you'll be able to swim. The booking web address is:
| https://northernwave.org/book-your-swim |
Please remember, if you have booked a swim and for any reason, you aren’t able to attend, you must cancel your booking using the link in the booking confirmation email. If you don't have the email then please text/WhatsApp or email Donald (membership@northernwave.org). Doing this ensures that swim sessions are open to as many as possible.
If you don't pay for your swims by standing order you can pay by bank transfer or by card/contactless 'on the door' of each session.
Dates for your diary
| Sat, 4th Jun | Yorkshire Masters | Ponds Forge Pool, Sheffield |
| Sun, 3rd Jul | Outdoor Pool Party - 5.00 pm | Hathersage Swimming Pool |
| Tue, 5th Jul | Open committee meeting - 6.30 pm | Moss Side Leisure Centre |
| Sat, 16th Jul | Cheshire Masters | Grand Central Pool, Stockport |
| All Sat, Aug | No sessions at the MAC | |
| Tue, 16th Aug | Open committee meeting - 6.30 pm | Moss Side Leisure Centre |
| Sat, 27th Aug | Manchester Pride Parade | Manchester city centre |
| Sun, 28th Aug | Pride picnic | Alexandra Park |
| Sat, 3rd Sep | Didsbury Pride |
Julie (she/her)
Co-Chair, Northern Wave Swimming Club
chair@northernwave.org