Last night at a committee meeting for The Court Amateur Swimming Club I found out I have been awarded Volunteer of the Year 2011. I have also been briefed that this means I have to take my swimsuit with me to the pool when I go to teach on Friday night as I will be pushed in.
I love my swimming life and having looked back at this year, I can't quite believe what I attempted and achieved.
I couldn't even put my head under water at the beginning of the year. Now I jump in, swim with my head underwater and attempt new things.
The year started with a Level 1 Teaching Aquatics Course. Closely followed by a National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ). I attempted this but failed on the timed swims.
Then I was invited to The House of Commons in May to receive the Big Splash Award http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/swimming/13364090.stm
Following this I have done several Continuing Professional Development Courses to enable me to teach people with disabilities.
Now to end the year on this high I can't quite believe the year I have had. It has certainly been challenging with things not being in my control. For instance the PINK POOL NIGHT being postponed due to Wellington Civic and Leisure Centre not reopening in time for the event in January.
On the whole I can be proud of what I have achieved and am achieving so I would definitely call this year a success.
I wish everyone a very wonderful Christmas and an extremely Happy New Year.
Best wishes
Fee
Thursday, 8 December 2011
Monday, 7 November 2011
Training Day
I had a wonderful day yesterday doing CPD training thanks to the ASA (Amateur Swimming Association) at Kingswinford.
I travelled with a colleague from the swimming club I teach at. We were so glad my husband was driving as the fog was so thick the satnav couldn't work. We were in the middle of Wolverhampton when we realised we were lost. At that point the satnav came back to life and we made it safely to our destination.
It was lovely to see old friends/acquaintances and make new ones. While I was talking to new acquaintances my colleague said "It's you". "What's me?" I replied.
Your Story is in that leaflet (see pic) I was completely shocked.
We then headed off to our workshops for the morning.
It was lovely to see so many people representing Shropshire at the training day. It was such a worthwhile day and I learnt so much.
A lot of the information I can use not only at the swimming club but also Ican2 Sports and Leisure for dealing with all sorts of disabilities.
The most important thing to remember is not to shout at children with disabilities so play acting is the way round this. I must remember to put on an angry face by putting my hands on my hips and blowing out my cheeks. This way the child will know they have done something wrong. I will then have to patiently explain what they have done wrong and help them correct their behaviour.
It is difficult not being a parent myself but I am definitely going to have to learn patience. It all comes with experience and I know I will not be alone on this journey.
I hope everyone had a good weekend.
Best wishes
Fee
I travelled with a colleague from the swimming club I teach at. We were so glad my husband was driving as the fog was so thick the satnav couldn't work. We were in the middle of Wolverhampton when we realised we were lost. At that point the satnav came back to life and we made it safely to our destination.
It was lovely to see old friends/acquaintances and make new ones. While I was talking to new acquaintances my colleague said "It's you". "What's me?" I replied.
We then headed off to our workshops for the morning.
It was lovely to see so many people representing Shropshire at the training day. It was such a worthwhile day and I learnt so much.
A lot of the information I can use not only at the swimming club but also Ican2 Sports and Leisure for dealing with all sorts of disabilities.
The most important thing to remember is not to shout at children with disabilities so play acting is the way round this. I must remember to put on an angry face by putting my hands on my hips and blowing out my cheeks. This way the child will know they have done something wrong. I will then have to patiently explain what they have done wrong and help them correct their behaviour.
It is difficult not being a parent myself but I am definitely going to have to learn patience. It all comes with experience and I know I will not be alone on this journey.
I hope everyone had a good weekend.
Best wishes
Fee
Friday, 30 September 2011
At last I can run a PINK POOL NIGHT
I have finally had confirmation that Swimming After Surgery (SAS) will be having a PINK POOL NIGHT on Saturday 28th January at 7.30 pm to help raise funds for this worthwhile project.
There will be a raffle as well as other fund raising ideas which include paying forfeits for those who don't want to wear PINK.
The swimming pool will be dyed pink and the dye disperses naturally through the filtration system of the pool.
I know this from a previous experience in a pool dyed pink. It is not harmful at all.
I am now busy preparing posters and tickets etc.
Best wishes
Fee
There will be a raffle as well as other fund raising ideas which include paying forfeits for those who don't want to wear PINK.
The swimming pool will be dyed pink and the dye disperses naturally through the filtration system of the pool.
I know this from a previous experience in a pool dyed pink. It is not harmful at all.
I am now busy preparing posters and tickets etc.
Best wishes
Fee
Wednesday, 21 September 2011
Swimming After Surgery (SAS)
Finally after a long time and a lot of patience things are beginning to take off.
Numbers are increasing slowly but surely for this project and I am thrilled with what the project has managed to do so far.
Not only does it help women in the water feel better but it also gives them confidence so that they can go out and do things they didn't they ever would again when they had surgery.
One lady is back driving and now volunteers in the community.
The other benefits are amazing. Socialising and feeling alive again is one of the major benefits of the project.
I am so pleased I had the idea and got on with it.
Now all I have to do is keep the project running with my wonderful helpful committee.
Swimming After Surgery (SAS) sessions are held on Wednesday evenings from 6.30 - 7.30pm at Short Wood Primary School Pool in Wellington for ladies who have had breast cancer surgery.
If anyone wishes to find out further information or book a place then please feel free to call 01952 371941.
Best wishes
Fee
Numbers are increasing slowly but surely for this project and I am thrilled with what the project has managed to do so far.
Not only does it help women in the water feel better but it also gives them confidence so that they can go out and do things they didn't they ever would again when they had surgery.
One lady is back driving and now volunteers in the community.
The other benefits are amazing. Socialising and feeling alive again is one of the major benefits of the project.
I am so pleased I had the idea and got on with it.
Now all I have to do is keep the project running with my wonderful helpful committee.
Swimming After Surgery (SAS) sessions are held on Wednesday evenings from 6.30 - 7.30pm at Short Wood Primary School Pool in Wellington for ladies who have had breast cancer surgery.
If anyone wishes to find out further information or book a place then please feel free to call 01952 371941.
Best wishes
Fee
Wednesday, 20 July 2011
Active Lifestyle Awards Oakengates
Last night I attended the Active Lifestyle Awards at Oakengates Theatre.
I wasn't there to obtain an award I had been invited by a fellow volunteer of Ican2. I have never been to an evening like it.
It was an amazing evening with so many wonderful inspiring stories of young people.
There were stories of various people who give up their time to help others voluntarily.
After the award ceremony I met Eric Smith from BBC Radio Shropshire. What a lovely man. He was really interested in everyone and made mental notes of who everyone was and what stories they had to tell.
I also met up with some old contacts who helped me in 2008 and I hadn't seen since as well as some new faces.
It was a wonderful evening and one I will never ever forget.
Best wishes to everyone.
I wasn't there to obtain an award I had been invited by a fellow volunteer of Ican2. I have never been to an evening like it.
It was an amazing evening with so many wonderful inspiring stories of young people.
There were stories of various people who give up their time to help others voluntarily.
After the award ceremony I met Eric Smith from BBC Radio Shropshire. What a lovely man. He was really interested in everyone and made mental notes of who everyone was and what stories they had to tell.
I also met up with some old contacts who helped me in 2008 and I hadn't seen since as well as some new faces.
It was a wonderful evening and one I will never ever forget.
Best wishes to everyone.
Wednesday, 22 June 2011
Swimming After Surgery (SAS)
Swimming After Surgery (SAS) sessions are held at Short Wood Primary School Pool, Limekiln Lane, Wellington TF1 2JA AT 6.30 - 7.30 pm on Wednesday evenings.
These sessions are currently aime at ladies recovery from breast cancer surgery.
If you know of anyone who may be interested in attending these sessions or want further information then please telephone 01952 371941 for further information or to book a place.
Best wishes
Fee
These sessions are currently aime at ladies recovery from breast cancer surgery.
If you know of anyone who may be interested in attending these sessions or want further information then please telephone 01952 371941 for further information or to book a place.
Best wishes
Fee
Good News at last
Having attempted to complete my first ever funding application form in time for a deadline in March 2011 and successfully submitting it and posting further information off as it was required I waited with baited breath.
Last week I received good news in that a cheque arrived for the full amount I had requested in my funding bid. This means that Swimming After Surgery (SAS) will continue for 12 months thanks to Macmillan Cancer Support.
Also the Lions Club of Ironbridge and Severn Gorge and Rotary of Wellington have kept the project going while waiting for funding from Macmillan Cancer Support.
I now have other fundraising ideas up my sleeve including dying a swimming pool pink and having a pink pool night for everyone. This will be done to coincide with the re-opening of Wellington swimming pool and I can't wait.
More hard work ahead but so rewarding.
FREE swimming sessions/lessons for 12 weeks for ladies who have had breast cancer surgery whether it be lumpectomies or a mastectomy it doesn't matter. Just getting a lady back in the water following surgery so that they can build their confidence is what the project is all about.
It also doesn't matter if a lady can't attend consecutive weeks they will still get their full 12 weeks of sessions.
For further information please telephone 01952 371941 (there is an answerphone - if you do get this please leave a message and I will get back to you as soon as I possibly can).
Best wishes to you all.
Last week I received good news in that a cheque arrived for the full amount I had requested in my funding bid. This means that Swimming After Surgery (SAS) will continue for 12 months thanks to Macmillan Cancer Support.
Also the Lions Club of Ironbridge and Severn Gorge and Rotary of Wellington have kept the project going while waiting for funding from Macmillan Cancer Support.
I now have other fundraising ideas up my sleeve including dying a swimming pool pink and having a pink pool night for everyone. This will be done to coincide with the re-opening of Wellington swimming pool and I can't wait.
More hard work ahead but so rewarding.
FREE swimming sessions/lessons for 12 weeks for ladies who have had breast cancer surgery whether it be lumpectomies or a mastectomy it doesn't matter. Just getting a lady back in the water following surgery so that they can build their confidence is what the project is all about.
It also doesn't matter if a lady can't attend consecutive weeks they will still get their full 12 weeks of sessions.
For further information please telephone 01952 371941 (there is an answerphone - if you do get this please leave a message and I will get back to you as soon as I possibly can).
Best wishes to you all.
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