There has been no let up over the last month for Alton and District swimmers. After a testing couple of weekends of Hampshire and South Coast League action, the club's swimmers were in the water again at Havant and Wateerlooville for the Hampshire County ASA Development Competition.

This is a stepping stone event for up and coming swimmers looking to set times to progress to more senior competition. As such it attracts large numbers of competitors from clubs throughout the county.

Pick of the Alton performers was Beth Lewis who finished second overall in the 9 years age group. Consistency over different strokes and distances and the stamina to cope with a demanding schedule are the keys to success in these events. Beth showed up admirably on all counts, winning the 50m fly, and recording second places in three other strokes.

Nick Love also achieved a podium position, with a fine third place in the 14 years age group. He also produced a clean sweep of wins over the three breaststroke distances swum. Catherine Clarke in the girls 14 age group recorded wins at both the 100m and 50m breaststroke, on her way to fourth place overall.

Other top ten finishers included Owen Wiliams (5th, 11 year age group), Tom Preston (6th, 12 year age group), Matilda Fairlie (6th, 9 year age group), Sam Irvine (6th, 9 year age group), and Charlotte Thomas (6th, 12 year age group).

The club's senior swimmers were meanwhile in action at Southampton Quays for the Fareham Nomads Open Meet. The standard of competition was high, and many swimmers attend with the aim of achieving national qualifying times.

Top Alton performance came from Aimee Puttock who won the girls 12/13 100m butterfly, in a time just a tenth of a second off the championship best.

In the same event Emily Bailey finished third and was top 12 year old. There was also a poignant moment as Charlotte Fletcher made her last competitive appearance in Alton club colours. Charlotte has captained the club and represented it at every level over the last decade. All involved with Alton and District Swimming Club wish her every success in the future.