Thursday 20th October, 2011

An Award for Sue


 

I spent most of the day working. All work and no play makes Mike a dull boy, and makes his hip stiff and his feet swell. So, I broke off for half an hour to go for a walk, taking advantage of the sunny weather.

The highlight of the day came in the evening. The Basingstoke Voluntary Services "Celebration of Volunteering Awards" was hosted by the Mayor of Basingstoke, Councillor David Leeks. Sue was one of the small number of people from the world of sport, who received an award.

Sue was nominated by Kevin Laing:

We would like to nominate Sue Lambert, who with the aid of her husband and son volunteer their services to the Basingstoke Bluefins Swimming Club. Without their unfailing efforts, amateur swimming in Basingstoke, Hampshire and the South East wouldn't function properly.

Sue is the Swimming Secretary, formerly President, of the Hampshire County Amateur Swimming Association and is also a committee member at Bluefins. She is passionate about children learning to swim, and organises the largest swimming lesson programme in the region. Additionally, Sue, in her role as Secretary, is the driving force behind the Hampshire Schools Swimming Association, organising the Schools Championships for both Primary and Secondary Schools as part of the English Schools Swimming Association.

Sue is also a fully qualified swimming official and regularly gives up her weekends to officiate at competitions around the region and further afield, including National competitions.

Sue is a very dedicated and popular person within the Basingstoke & Dean and County sporting community.

The presentations took place in the Council Chamber. I sat proudly at the back while Sue received her award from the mayor. A photo of the presentation is promised later.

At the reception that followed, we renewed acquaintance with Chris Bridger who used to be heavily involved in swimming and at one stage organised the lessons programme. We saw Chris and her husband Mike fleetingly in the Basing unit at the hospital a few weeks ago and wondered why they were there. It turns out that Mike had treatment for lymphoma three years ago. He is now clear.