Malcolm calls it a day at Bedworth Masters

by Keith Earnshaw

Sunday 3rd May was Malcolm’s retirement do at Bedworth after 36 years of coaching including 25 years with Bedworth Masters. The day also marked his 71st Birthday.

Malcolm has also coached Kenilworth Masters at Abbey Fields when the club was still young shiny and new and struggling to establish itself. His last session was attended by Scot, Jacquie, Zim, Keith and Gareth from Kenilworth.

A representative from the council paid tribute to his years of service to the kids in the local community, with thousands benefiting from his skills. Gareth Parker pointed out that Malcolm had tirelessly given his support to masters over the years only taking 2 days holiday a year! He has also coached more champions than Hamilton Bland, with swimmers of UK, World and Olympic class training under him over the years.

In the early days of the club many Kenilworth swimmers used to benefit from the sessions in Bedworth. This has tailed off in recent years as we have grown and gained access to more local water time. In our early days when we had Wednesday and Friday only (with Wednesday disappearing as well when Abbey Fields flooded and closed), Malcolm provided vital extra training sessions at Bedworth.

Sunday’s final session proved he has lost nothing of his coaching skills over the years. Our thanks go out to you Malcolm. For those of you who weren’t able to make it on Sunday, Bedworth Masters are hoping to celebrate their 25 years as a club in September and we have been invited to join in.