• From the Editor
• Haddington Presidents Meet: Friday 7 December
• 2012 Club Championships: Saturday 8 December
• Scottish Gas National Short Course Championships: 14-16 December
• Christmas Handicap: 16 December
• Session times

December is a busy time for the Club so here's a reminder of what's coming up in the next few weeks before  Christmas. 

Look out for a more in-depth Newsletter coming out in January featuring: a round-up of recently attended competitions; a report of the AGM which took place last Wednesday; a guide to improving your swimming technique, plus a new swimmer's profile section. I will be coming round to interview unsuspecting individuals, so be ready to answer some questions....

If anyone has any ideas or would like to contribute to future Newsletters, please get in touch lai.maggie@ymail.com

Thanks
Maggie

The Haddington Presidents Gala takes place this Friday 8 December at the Aubigny Sports Centre, Haddington. Clubs competing in this team event are Inverleith, Portobello, Musselburgh and Haddington.

Please note that all swims are time-banded; points will only be given to those completing their race within the time band - unfortunately those swimming faster will be disqualified. We came close to winning the Cup last year and have another strong squad attending this year - lets hope we can go one step better this time.

Warm-up is at 6.30pm. Allow plenty of time for travel to Aubigny Sports Centre. To get there, come off the A1 at Haddington, follow West Road to the High Street. At the end, turn right and then second right onto Mill Wynd. To check on Google maps use postcode EH41 4DB.

Any problems on the evening, contact Fiona 07719 627719

The Club Championships on Saturday 8 December will once again be held at Leith Academy Pool. Anyone wishing to take part but hasn't yet confirmed with Kathy, please do so by Thursday 6 December. Email Kathy at kathypitcher@yahoo.co.uk

All swimmers should bring two towels, something warm to wear between swims, snacks and drink. Footwear must be worn when leaving the pool area. 

Registration:
Please arrive at Leith Academy at 9.45am to register. The registration desk will be situated in the corridor by the pool entrance.

Warm-up:
Warm-up is at 10.00am. Please listen to the announcements as they are made and follow the instructions to ensure the day runs smoothly and to time.

Morning session:
The morning session is scheduled to start at 10.30am. We will endeavour to complete all the Novice (prep) heats in this session and trophies from the Internal Cups will also be presented.

Lunch:
There will be a café open in the dining area offering a variety of filled rolls, toasties, home baking, tea & coffee at very reasonable prices. Anybody wishing to contribute to the home-baking stall, please just bring your products along on Saturday or hand them in during the week to Keith Inglis or David Little.

Any volunteers who would like to help set up and run the stalls on the day, please contact Kathy.

Swimshop:
Judith is setting up the Swimshop over lunchtime - the perfect place to do some Christmas shopping with a great range of swimwear, clothing and swimming accessories available to buy on the day. Any profit made from sales go towards club funds so please come along and support the shop.

Afternoon session:
There will be a short warm-up before the start of the afternoon session.

Raffle:
As usual, we will be holding a raffle with all proceeds going towards club funds. Any contributions of prizes would be greatly received. Again, please just bring them on the day.

Claire Dow will be swimming in the Scottish Gas National Short Course Championship on the weekend of the 14-16 December at the Royal Commonwealth Pool in Edinburgh.

Claire has done amazingly well to qualify for the 100IM and 400IM. Please come along to support her and take the opportunity to watch some of the best swimmers in the country.

For more information about the event, speak to Lana.

Best of luck Claire!

In keeping with tradition, the Christmas Handicap will place on the last Sunday session before Christmas. This is a fun event where swimmers of all ages compete in heats against each other in their chosen stroke. Fastest swimmers progress to the next heats and then to the final.

Swimmers starting with faster times will be 'handicapped' so that ideally each race will end in a finger-tip finish. Prizes will be given for every swimmer - the biggest reserved for the overall winner.

Ever wanted to swim against Fiona, Lana or David? Now's your chance. See Fiona or your coach by Sunday 9 December if you'd like to take part.

Venue: Leith Victoria
Time:   Warm-up for Inter 1 (boys) & Inter 2 is at 5.00 - 5.15pm
            Warm-up for Advanced, Inter 1 (girls) & Club is at 5.15 - 5.30pm
            Competition starts at 5.35pm
Cost:    £2.50 (to cover cost of prizes)

The last session before the Christmas break is as follows for the various squads:

Prep Group: Thursday 13 December (no session on the 16 December)
Inter 2: Friday 21 December
Inter 1: Friday 21 December
Advanced: Friday 21 December

All squads return for training on the following dates:

Prep Group: Sunday 6 January, Thursday sessions resume on 17 January
Inter 2: Sunday 6 January
Inter 1: Sunday 6 January
Advanced: Sunday 6 January

Have a good break over the holidays and we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!