Leigh @ ESC:

• "Mother" of the Tumble Turn Times; now compile the news for the monthly newsletter;
• Member of the management committee; Specialised in fundraising;
• Teach the beginners, pre-improvers and improvers classes;
• Now timekeeper and soon Judge 1!

"My daughter joined Eastbourne Swimming Club in 2008, shortly after we moved to Eastbourne, and I followed later that year! I sat watching her swim night after night, seeing Ann (gala secretary) beavering away with ESC "stuff", I asked if I could help and was promptly handed a file on fundraising. 

Evidently having a background in Accident and Emergency nursing and education of autistic children, qualified me to be plunged headfirst into seeking funds for a community organisation! Several training courses ensued, enabling me to make sense of grant applications and how they relate to the swimming world. The club newsletter began, named by the swimmers, "The Tumble Turn Times".

After gaining poolside experience, my swimming teaching training was also funded by the club, as was a water rescue test course. I now thoroughly enjoy teaching the beginners, pre-improvers and improvers classes. My certificate collection is burgeoning, as I've added timekeeper training and am working on judge 1, too!

Somewhere along the line I joined the management committee of the club. I report to them on the successes and failures in seeking income for the club, and get guidance on what would be good to find funding for.

The last two years have been a spectacularly steep learning curve for me, often pushing me far beyond my comfort zone. It has also been a fabulously rewarding experience - I've found being in a community of practice and endeavour fun and inspiring."

Leigh