Early leaders
- Chair: Alan Chick
- Treasurer: Roger Pears
- Founders: Geoff & Sheila Halliday-Pegg
- John & Sheila Miller
- Norman Whitehead
Deepings Swimming Club
A community built on water, family, and resilience since 1976
1970s — Founding years
Sparked by an advert in the local paper from Alan Chick, a group of parents formed Deepings Swimming Club in 1976. The newly built Deepings Leisure Centre offered its pool, forging a partnership that shaped the club’s home for generations.
A family-first mission
The club began as a family club, offering swimming lessons and coaching. Its constitution set a clear purpose: to encourage the art of swimming and associated activities.
1980s — Growth and rivalries
Under chairs Ivan Cope (1983–1986) and Peter Griffin (1986–2002), the club grew in competition and identity.
Coaching takes shape
Early head coaches included Dave Mann (from 1984) and briefly Penny before him. The club steadily developed swimmers to county and regional levels.
Local rivalry, stronger identity
A group of parents formed rival club South Lincs in Spalding. Deepings SC persevered, galvanising its swimmers and reinforcing its culture.
1990s — Building pathways
With swimming lessons transferred to the Leisure Centre, Deepings SC focused entirely on competitive development.
Volunteer coaching excellence
Steve Smith and Martyn Reynolds shaped Midland and National swimmers.
Long-course exposure
Camps at Oundle School and training trips to Lanzarote prepared swimmers for long-course racing.
2000s — National recognition and Paralympic success
A decade of strong leadership and standout coaching culminated in international medals and a commitment to disability swimming.
Leadership continuity
Chairs: Steve Smith (2002–2005) and Martyn Reynolds (2005–2018).
Paralympic milestones
Rob Welbourn won gold, silver, and bronze across three Paralympic Games.
Notable alumni
Alex Thurston — European Masters gold.
Clare Wookey — North Channel relay record.
Community heartbeat
The Rob Welbourn Open Meet, club championships, and regular galas anchored the calendar.
2010s — Modernisation and expansion
Under head coach Lynn Chapman, Deepings SC enjoyed one of its most successful eras.
Performance highlights
National and international representation by Alex Wray, Isabel Spinley, and more.
Structure and systems
New squad framework launched in 2018; website resources expanded; SCM supported operations.
Masters excellence
Linda Griffin led the Masters squad at European Championships.
Community and fundraising
Events like the Christmas Cracker and cross-channel challenge strengthened team spirit.
2020s — Resilience and legacy
Through leadership transitions and facility challenges, Deepings SC sustained its ethos.
Leadership and workforce
Chairs Steve Tappern and Andy Cardell underscored volunteer leadership.
Heritage preserved
Historic trophies archived; records modernised into short-course and long-course sets.
Milestones
1976
Club founded; partnership with Deepings Leisure Centre begins.
1984
Dave Mann becomes head coach.
1990s
Lessons move to Leisure Centre; competitive focus strengthens.
2001–2012
Rob Welbourn era: Paralympic medals and Disability Hub recognition.
2018
New squad structure launched.
2019–2020
National finals, county records, and community fundraising.
Voices from our history
Legacy and spirit
Deepings SC remains a family club at heart, powered by volunteers and inspired by swimmers of all ages.
“The objectives of the Club are to encourage the art of swimming…”
Follow Us
