TEIGNMOUTH Swimming Club has bid a fond farewell to its chairman of 30 years. Martin Cox has given more than three decades of voluntary service to the club and has been praised for his hard work and dedication. He stood down at the 32nd annual meeting, attended by past and present members. Cox applauded the club and its members for its success over the last year. Cox said: 'We saw 10 youngsters from our Monday night learn to swim course go on to join the club and achieve ASA awards. We held summer and winter galas as well as hosting the carnival duathlon, all of which we have enjoyed and have had great success from.' He stressed that none of these events would have been possible if it were not for the hard-working and dedicated team of volunteers who unselfishly gave up their time each week to ensure the club continues to teach and coach children in all areas of swimming and lifesaving. Junior head teacher Avril Lewis said on behalf of the club: 'Martin is Teignmouth Swimming Club. I am not sure how we will fill his shoes, and I think that is why no one has come forward to take on the role of chairman.' She added that Cox had given so much of his time and energy it would be hard imagining the club without him. Mr Cox was presented with a picture by local artist John Skinner. 'I will be able to look at this picture and fondly remember the wonderful times we have all had with the club,' said Mr Cox. Heather Crawford, a voluntary teacher with the club for more than 10 years, resigned her position. She was presented with a bouquet of flowers as a thank you for her hard work and dedication for more than a decade. She will continue her work with the disability awareness section and ensure a smooth transition for the swimmers in her group. An awards ceremony was held for all the youngsters who had attended galas throughout the year and for those swimmers who had attained special merits. The awards were presented by club president Eric Beatty and Mary Strudwick, Alderman of Devon County Council. The children were presented with medals and Victor Ludorums earned from galas and trophies for a range of special achievements.
