About Stevenage Dolphins
The club was founded in 1962 by Mr. Harry Parker, our late president, and was one of the first organisations to use the (then) newly-opened Stevenage Swimming Pool. As a UK registered charity, Registration Number 265658, we are dependent upon donations and the goodwill of Stevenage Borough Council, Stevenage Leisure Ltd. and the staff of the swimming pool.
The Club provides a one hour, 15 minute session each Sunday where our members can enjoy and gain confidence in the water.
The deck-level pool is equipped with a hoist to help those with a physical disability in and out of the pool.
There are two lanes roped off for lane swimming and the rest of the pool is open use for general enjoyment. Balls and floats are introduced for the second 45 minutes of each session.
There are two lanes roped off for lane swimming and the rest of the pool is open use for general enjoyment. Balls and floats are introduced for the second 45 minutes of each session.
The pool is supervised by SLL lifeguards throughout and there are always adult club members happy to help in the water. Family members/carers are welcome to join members in the water, as associate members – and are required if the member needs “in pool” support.
The club holds and attends competitive swimming galas. These are run to NASCH rules. We hold our own annual Club Championship Gala, usually in October. We compete at galas held by clubs in our area, who are also invited to our own inter-club gala and in the NASCH region 3 championship.
History of Stevenage Dolphins
Harry Parker, living in Stevenage and working at Kayser Bondor in Baldock, Hertfordshire, realised that there were no swimming facilities for the disabled in the surrounding area. He spoke to his employers, who had an outdoor swimming pool and managed to get them to agree that this pool could be used and so the Dolphin Swimming club was formed. That was back in July 1962.
Harry continued in his quest for more swimming facilities for the disabled and when he became aware that Stevenage Development Corporation were building a swimming pool in the town, he lobbied them and The Dolphin Swimming Club were the first private users of the pool in August 1962, followed by Stevenage Swimming Club, which Harry was also involved with at the time.
In October 1962, Harry realised that the pool did not have a first aid room and once again took it upon himself to get the matter sorted. It happened! A section of the ladies’ changing area was used and a first aid room was accommodated between the changing areas and the poolside.
Committee for 2023
John Randall – Chairman
David Wall – President
Paul Juon – Vice President
Tracey Kitching – Treasurer
Wendy Stukins – Club Secretary
Julie Randall – Membership Officer/Reception Manager
Noel Frarey – Website Officer
Julian Richards – Facebook Officer
Darren Vickers – Committee Member
John Randall – Competition Secretary (Temporary)
