Testimonials Letters, emails, photos

Here you can view emails & testimonials we have received from previous members of the club.

If you are a past club member we would love you to get in touch with us using the contact page.

If anyone has any old photos of the club, please send them in and we will put them up for everyone to see.

Subject: Merton Partnership Civic Pride Volunteer Awards 2023

Harry Green has been at the heart of our local swimming club in the borough of Merton for over four decades. Despite his age and ongoing health challenges, his unwavering dedication to the club is nothing short of remarkable. Not only does he ensure the club runs smoothly, but he also supports the swimmers in various ways, both in and out of the pool.

Harry goes above and beyond by organising group outings for the swimmers, fostering camaraderie and lasting friendships among them. It’s heartwarming to see former swimmers, now grandparents themselves, entrusting their grandchildren to Harry’s capable hands, knowing that he’s still at the helm of the club.

In addition to coaching, Harry encourages ex-swimmers to pursue lifeguarding and coaching qualifications, often generously funding their training courses. His commitment to personal development is evident in his ongoing pursuit of new swimming courses to stay current in the field.

At the core of Harry’s coaching philosophy is his belief that no swimmer is a lost cause, regardless of their skill level. His passion, dedication, and impact on generations of swimmers make him a deserving candidate for the local council award for long-serving volunteers.

Sergio Davidson
,

From: Sergio Davison
Date: Fri, Apr 14, 2023

Hi Harry and team,

Simon – late 70’s to mid/later 80’s. Backstroke (as mentioned in the earlier message from Innis)

We met for a drink maybe 15 years ago at The George. I remember asking you how long you would keep going. You seemed fully committed back then but I would never have guessed the club would still be going in 2024!!!

This is an epic achievement. I still see Dave and Dan on a regular basis and even though we left the club 35/40 years ago will still laugh at some of the memories.

The galas where we had to swim in all sorts of age groups from U13 – U18. The fact that New Order – Blue Monday appeared to be on repeat on your cassette player in the coach, for years. Or when we could not get the coach round the corner of Somerset Ave, so had to get out and lift the cars out of the way (mad).

We were the small club who punched way above our weight. I enjoyed seeing the documentary and scanning the website. Great stuff and all the best going forward.

Simon Ellis
I left the club: 1987

From: Simon Ellis
Date of Posting :23-November 2024

Hi Harry,

I swam with Pisces in the very early 1980s and left the club around 1986. I wanted to say a huge thank you to you for all the effort you put in back then for us, and what wonderful memories I still hold of that time.

Swimming with Pisces was a brilliant experience, from the camaraderie of being part of a supportive team, to the many brilliant socials including trips to White City, Margate Beach and the Isle of Wight.

I also wanted to say a huge Thank You for supporting my development as a swimmer, for the opportunity of swimming in gala competitions and for the much loved stop off at the chippy on the way home with our favourite 80’s songs being played on the coach radio to top it all off! They are all truly magical memories, and it is only as an adult can I truly appreciate all the hard work and dedication you put into helping us kids be the best versions of ourselves back then.

I was amazed and relieved to see that Pisces is still going strong after 50 years, which is a true testament to the strength of the club you have built. I would like you to know that your hard work and dedication is deeply appreciated, and I wanted to say a massive Thank You for believing in me back then, and for providing such a safe and wonderful space to learn and grow.

Wishing you and all the Pisces team every success going forwards,

Kindest Regards,

Carl Rees
I left the club: 1986

From: Carl Rees
Date of Posting :22-August 2024

Hi Harry,

I’ve been meaning to drop you a line for ages now to say a special thank you. What you did then and have continued to do is amazing.

I swam in the club in the late 70’s and early 80’s (my main stroke was Backstroke, only two of us in the club had that as our main stroke at the time, Simon was the other). Your son and daughters were in the club then and Mandy was nearer my age. I’m 52 now in 2024. When I checked a few years ago, I was amazed the club was still around and you were involved. You seemed senior in 1980 but what could I tell I was 9 and everyone above 14 seemed old (thinking of Jenny? your eldest and Paula).

I was an only child who spent the holidays by myself, as my mum was at work, and those club trips were amazing. So many in the summer holidays and so fairly priced that I could go on so many each week. Trips to so many leisure centres (White City sticks in my mind), days out at the incredibly exposed Battersea Park playground, Margate, the South Coast. I remember we all piled into the sea (in our green swim trunks) in Brighton or Worthing, it was probably in the Easter Hols and it was so cold and grey and then we could go spend our money at the local fairground. And then there were the Isle of Wight trips. In that hall with bunk beds around the edge, and you and your helpers on single beds in the middle, with every night a battle to get us all to be quiet and go to sleep. Then early chilly mornings in the sea fog off to Blackgang Chine and places like that. I went on about three of those. That old green coach and your cigar smoke, those were the days.

Meeting at your newsagent shop on West Barnes Lane and heading off to Wimbledon or Morden pool two to three times a week. Wimbledon was a cosy 25m, Morden was a big pool at 33m, but the couple of times we went to the 50m Crystal Palace pool was crazy to me as a small (and a bit autistic as it turns out) lad. So as one of the thousands of kids that you’ve given your time to, thank you, and a massive congratulations on what you’ve achieved over the years.
Kind regards

Innis Taylor
I left the club: 20-07-1985

From: Innis Taylor
Date of Posting :17-May 2024

Hi Harry,
I was a member with you when you had that shop in Raynes Park in 1980 with my friend Paul.

We went to Wimbledon College and we had to put up with the two Johns giving us stick saying we were posh.John Smith and his mate John.Good memories of that old bus you drove us in!
Thanks for the memories and putting us with kids playing up you were very patient.

Still enjoy swimming now thanks to you!
Kind regards

James Mayo

From: James Mayo
Date of Posting :05-April 2024

Hello Harry,

I spent many happy years with Merton Pisces Swimming Club. I used to practise twice a week plus weekends where we would concentrate on stroke, distance and speed improvement. You had to work hard – but it was rewarding.

Harry encouraged us to participate in galas which provided a great sense of achievement and the Club Xmas Galas were always great fun. I really enjoyed the Club days out and visits to the Olympic Pool and the PGL water-based holidays were brilliant. It was a great community atmosphere.

Thank you Harry – none of that would have been possible without all your hard work and commitment in making Pisces such a fantastic club to be part of. When you’re part of this club, you don’t just learn to swim, you make friends and become a better person. I wish you and Pisces all the very best for the future.

Jack Smither

From: Jack Smither
Date of leaving the club:31 July 2017

Hello Harry,

I’m not sure if you will remember me. I swam with the club in the late 80s with my sister Nancy and my brother Adam. Mandy would have been about 16.
I often tell my children about my swimming club and the galas we used to go to and the trips to the Isle of Wight where I broke my tooth break dancing!! Badly!!
I was looking at the website and saw the old photos. I remember stopping for fish and chips!
Well, I just wanted to say hello and wish you a belated happy birthday!
Thanks for all the good times!

Lisa Parsons (nee Bennett)

From: Lisa Parsons (nee Bennett)
Date :13 April 2023

Hi Harry,

Not sure if you will remember me (Kai)or my older brother Jonathan but we both swam with Pisces for a number of years in the late 90’s early 00’s.

What you ingrained in us gave us a love (well a love/ hate relationship) for swimming, we both competed in triathlons (all distances including iron-man) although Jonathan made a career of it racing professionally across the world for a number of years while I was only a competitive age group athlete over all distances.

I am now living over in Perth Australia and married with a daughter, living only 15 mins from the beach I don’t get in the water half as much as I should do but still love to get out and do some open water swimming from time to time (if I can dodge the sharks.)

It’s great to see how the club is still going and by all accounts built on the same morals as it was over 20 years ago when I was swimming for you. It even looks like the cost has stayed pretty much the same!

It’s great to know the next generation is in good hands and will be taught by you and the team you have there, I am so grateful for the techniques you taught me, even if you made us do 250 meters of kick for warm-ups!

Pleased to see you fit and well!

Thanks again for the happy memories.

Kai Voss

From: Kai Voss
Date: Unknown

Hi Harry

I swam with Merton Pisces from age 6-18, starting in 1999. I left when I went to university and I am now working as a doctor in Devon.

Just wanted to express my gratitude to Harry and everyone who has made Merton Pisces what it is. I have many a fond memory of the training sessions, the galas and the trips we used to go on. It wasn’t just the swimming I enjoyed but it was amazing to be part of a team, and to make so many good friends there.

I don’t swim as much these days, but I think all the training as a kid has definitely made it easier for me to keep fit as an adult!

Great to see that the club is doing so well and I’m sure it will be going strong for many years to come. If I ever move back to London with kids of my own, I know I’ll be taking them to Merton Pisces!

Dr Chris Grayson

Dr Chris G on Facebook

https://linktr.ee/doctorchrisg

From: Dr Chris Grayson
Date: Unknown

Hi Harry

How are you? Its been a very long time. I remember us living down the same road lol… I came to the website as I was seeing if you were on facebook. Its good that you have a section for past members.

I keep in contact with Lea on facebook. I’m now married with 2 daughters who love swimming. Living in Devon which has been brilliant for us. Remember Karen my sister she is now a swimming instructor and is doing well. I will always remember the trips to London to see the lights, I hope you still do that lol… Its been great writing this.

All the best and take care.

Helen

From: Helen
Date: Unknown

Dear Harry

I’m not sure if you remember me, its Claire Turland (Although I am now married hence the different surname). My son Benjamin is now a member of a local swim school and I was chatting to one of the teachers about looking to gain my ASA level 1 qualification. I was reviewing the ASA website and then I stumbled across your website and the email from Dax. I too was pleased to see that not much has changed, apart from the size of the transport! It was good to know that you continue to teach youngsters not only a valuable skill, but I am sure they continue to have as much fun as we did and then will go on to treasure there memories.

I have been living in Andover in Hampshire since 2001, I am now married and have a son, Benjamin who is 5 years and a daughter, Lily Rose who is 3.5 months. I really hope that they will enjoy the benefits of learning to swim and the friendship and values that being a club member can bring. I certainly still hold a passion for the sport, enough to want to be able to pass it on to others, including my own children.

Thank you for all that you did for me back then – I have not forgotten it and I still smile to myself when thinking about the memories I hold of my time at the club.

It would be great to hear from anyone that remembers me.

Take care and thanks again,

Claire Hewlett (Turland)

From: Claire Hewlett (Turland)
Date: Unknown

Hi Harry

A long time has passed since we last spoke, I have been living in Australia for the last 8 years, and I have moved to Japan in the last year.

I have just visited your website out of sheer curiosity and was amazed to find that apart from down-sizing the bus it seems that not much has changed.

I often speak with Kai and occasionally John and Steff – I was back in England in February for a week and caught up with Rob Naylor and Steffie for a couple of beers.

I often see Kai, I lived round the corner from him for the last 4 years and will see him when I go back to AUS next week. I’m sure our names are historical and old news now that you have some excellent young charges to focus on.

I have gotten back to a bit of swimming and also just starting some coaching for adults who can’t swim.I hope you are well Harry, and if anyone you think I may know is still associated with the club please say hello to them too.

Thanks for everything you did for me as a kid, I probably didn’t appreciate it back then but I do now, your influence and coaching have more relevance to my life than anything I learned at school.

Best Regards,

Dax Cowan

From: Dax Cowan
Date: Unknown