Have some laughs, a good chat – and keep active with Harbord Swimming Club.
The secret to a long life is staying active and fit – but most importantly you need to socialise, says 90-year-old Richard Scott.
The Belrose resident joined Harbord Swimming Club last year to augment his body surfing routine. He realised after his wife died 13 years ago how important it was to have social activities.
“It’s good for your mental health and wellbeing,” Richard says.
Not to mention the exclusive use of the 25-metre heated pool at Harbord Diggers in Freshwater. Members of the club meet for a swim every Wednesday night then eat a meal at the Diggers.
Harbord Swimming Club president Steve Thompson says the club is more like a ‘social group that swims’.
When the club first formed 65 years ago, members had to contend with the elements and cold water of ocean rock pools. They swam at the old Diggers until it was knocked down to make way for the new venue.
Now, they have the comfort of the air-conditioned Diggers’ pool, which is heated to a balmy 32 degrees. Carlisle Swimming, which operates the pool, has been ‘very accommodating’ of the club, Steve says. Once members set up at 6.30pm, the club has sole use of the pool for a few hours.
Wednesday night sessions can get quite competitive, as there are three races, with finals and a relay. All races are handicapped according to ability.
“The beauty of Wednesday night is that whether you are a good swimmer or a bad swimmer, everyone has a chance of winning,” Steve says. “We certainly need a beer after it!”
Richard enjoys having a go in the races, but admits that his body takes a while to warm up.
Richard Scott.
“I slowly build up my second wind, so by the end of the evening I’m feeling pretty good!”
While the races vary in stroke and distance, Richard says he currently favours the 25m freestyle and backstroke.
“I’m building up to the 100m,” he says. While he admits to feeling ‘knackered’ the next day, “at my age it’s good for me,” he says.
A keen surfer and swimmer all his life, Richard enjoys the social activity and friendship of the club members. At dinner after swimming, the members discuss ‘all sorts’ of world events, he says.
“You have some laughs and meet some very nice people.”
While most of the members are of a certain age, they do have a few teenagers in their midst. Steve, who has been with the club for 15 years, says the overriding factor was the good camaraderie.
“We all like to joke around a bit.”
He encourages people to join the club. “It doesn’t matter if you are a fabulous swimmer or not. If you are after a chance to get out on a Wednesday night and some social activity, come on down.”
In addition to weekly dinners, the club has formed a friendship with a swimming club in Dubbo called the Dubbo Ducks. Each year the groups alternate to visit each other.
This year is Harbord’s turn to go to Dubbo and visit sites like the zoo and lake – not to mention socialising with like-minded swimmers.
Harbord Swimming Club meets on Wednesday night at 6.30pm at the Harbord Diggers pool. For more details, visit the Harbord Swiming Club Facebook page, or contact Steve Thompson at thompson.steve@hotmail.com.