My involvement in swimming began, as it does for many volunteers, through my children. I initially took my daughter, Sarah, along to Ely Swimming Club, where what began as one session a week soon developed into three or four sessions each week. Like many voluntary organisations, the club was always in need of additional help, and it was not long before I became more involved.
When Ely swimming pool closed for refurbishment in 1999, my son, Chris, was a little too young to join the club formally. However, the coach at the time kindly allowed him to attend and continue swimming. It was during this period that my involvement with the club grew considerably. My husband, Max, became a committee member and took on responsibility for membership, which we managed together alongside a variety of other roles.
Although I never held an official title within the club, I was often the first to arrive and the last to leave at events, whether it was presentation evenings, galas, aquathlons, barbecues or any of the many other activities the club organised. Max went on to become an official, but I decided that officiating was not for me. Instead, I was happy to support the club in whatever field-of-play roles were needed.
My main involvement in swimming has been with the Fenland League. I became the representative for Ely Swimming Club in 2007 and, over the years, gradually took on more responsibilities. I am now the League Secretary, Treasurer and Adjudicator. I am also involved in organising the field of play for the Cambridgeshire County swimming events.
Outside swimming, I continue to support Scouting in an administrative role and help with Girlguiding whenever they need an extra pair of hands, having previously been a leader for 20 years. I am also the Poppy Appeal Organiser for Soham.
When I am not helping one organisation or another, I enjoy getting away on holiday. This can be anything from a caravan holiday or a narrowboat trip to a cruise.
I am extremely honoured to have been elected President of Swim England Cambridgeshire County. It is a privilege to be able to contribute to the sport that has been such an important part of my life for so many years. I look forward to supporting swimmers, officials, volunteers and everyone involved in aquatics and look forward to celebrating their achievement throughout the year.
Pauline Paines
