1066 Swimmers on international adventure

The Red Caps were piped aboard their coach at Glyne Gap on Friday as they began their journey to the Belgian town of Oudenaarde. Hastings Mayor Cllr Phil Scott was among the dignitaries to wish the club good luck.

Representing the borough of Hastings, 1066 acquitted themselves very well despite not competing in every race due to the unavailability of swimmers in certain age groups.

Swimming against teams from similarly 'twinned' clubs from Belgium, France and Italy, 1066 Swimmers finished a very acceptable second overall. The French team from Arras emerged victorious, with Oudenaarde based Ozeka SC finishing third and the Italian team of Castel Madama occupying fourth.

1066 Swimmers won six individual first place trophies, three silver and bronze medals and another hat-trick of silver medals in the relays.

Membership manager and coach Trevor Spinks said: "A superb time was experienced by all and a lot of credit and acclamation is due our hosts from Ozeka Swimming Club and the people of Oudenaarde, Belgium. A very worthwhile European exercise in sport, friendship, harmony and co-operation. 1066 Swimmers were proud to represent the borough of Hastings."

1066 Swimmers would like to thank generous sponsors Cafe Belge for their extremely generous donation of 500.