Latest Newsletters

May 2022

Dear Parents and Swimmers, 

As we near the end of our school year, and reflect on our return to normality after Covid, we are so proud of our CMSS swimmers. They have handled adversity with such grace and positivity, arriving on poolside with a smile on their faces and a willingness to better themselves, no matter what life may throw at them! We also welcome any new swimmers who have recently joined us at CMSS, and we look forward to sharing some great swimming experiences with you.

A few notes:

FEE INCREASE: As a not-for-profit club, you will understand that it has been a difficult financial year since August last year.  The continuing uncertainty and restrictions around Covid impacted squad numbers and combined with increasing prices elsewhere has led to a loss year-to-date of more than £6,000. Therefore, we need to increase fees from 1st September 2022 to £45 per month.

We will send out a reminder closer to the time but please change your standing order with effect from your September payment. We require members to give a month’s notice if they no longer want their place. With the expectation of further increases in energy prices and the impact that this could have on the heating of the pool, we hope to avoid further price increases but, as a not-for-profit club, if this proves necessary, we will give as much notice as we can.

Last session (Fun Session): Thursday 21 July 2022.

Half term break: 30 May–3 June 2022.

No swimming on bank holidays.

Will keep you posted on our start date for September – have not had this confirmation from BHS yet.

Swimming will continue as usual at the Walnuts for all swimmers (from all squads) on Wednesdays (5-6pm) during half term and during the Summer holidays.

We would also like to welcome all parents back into the pool area as spectators – it has been way too long since you have been able to watch your kids swim, and we are so excited for you to pop in and see their progress. Please do come in, and although there are no seats, you are welcome to stand in the viewing area at any time😊 (No parents on the actual poolside please, as this is a school rule).

Please remind your kids that no shoes are allowed on poolside.

NO DOGS are allowed on the Bromley High School property. The school are very strict with this policy, and we ask that all parents adhere to the school rules.

If anyone has any flippers that are too small, do pass them on to me, and I can try find them a new home. We always have new swimmers trialling for the club, and it’s helpful to pass on flippers to those who need them. Likewise, if your child needs new flippers, please come and have a look through my bag for a pair that fits before you buy any😊 My ‘flippers bag’ is overflowing right now, and I’d be so grateful to pass them on!  I also have a few kickboards, pull buoys, mesh bags, CMSS T-shirts etc that have been passed down from previous club swimmers. If anyone is interested, send me a quick email and I’d be happy to let you know what is available, and it’s all free!

We will be saying goodbye to some swimmers who are going to Uni/work/travelling next year, and we thank you for supporting CMSS for all these years. It would be great to see you back in the holidays, and we wish you the best of luck for your future endeavours!

If anyone is in need of new CMSS kit, see the table below and details on how to order:

T-ShirtsS, M, L, XL, 2XL£15
   
Jammers24, 26, 28, 30£18
 32, 34, 36£20
   
Caps £7
   
Swimsuits26, 28, 30£18
 32, 34, 36, 38, 40£20

Email Ola at cmsskit@gmail.com to order. Kit will be left at poolside for your swimmer to collect. Payment should be made to the club bank account once you are happy with the item.

Sadly, our current club secretary, Mark, will be leaving us in the next few months as his son moves on from CMSS. Mark has been a wonderful help over the years, and we will miss him! With this in mind, we will be looking for a parent to step into his shoes, and take over his role on the committee. A full handover will be provided, and Mark will talk you through the procedures and get you started. If you feel like you could spare some time, and invest in your child’s sport, please do let me know. The Club has been so lucky with the wonderful support of parents over the years, and we look forward to having another dedicated mum/dad join us on the committee.  

We are excited to be able to get together again this Summer for our Annual CMSS Summer Picnic at High Elms on Saturday 9 July 2022 at 11am. Please keep this date free, and join us with your picnic baskets for some fun games with all our CMSS families, kids, dogs etc!

All newsletters and dates will be posted on our website https://swimsquad.org/

Our Club AGM will be taking place on Wednesday 7 September 2022 at 8.00pm. All parents are welcome to attend. Send me an email and I can give you more details.

We would like to thank all parents for their continued support at CMSS. To those who help on the committee, who volunteer at club galas, and to all parents /grandparents/ aunts/uncles/siblings who help with lifting and carrying etc. We realise that it is a team effort and do appreciate your enthusiasm and encouragement for your kids’ swimming.

Finally, we wish you all a wonderful, warm and bright summer!

Yours in swimming,

Kim, Coaches and Committee members

End of Year Newsletter – December 2021

Dear Parents and Swimmers,                                                                         

Hope that swimmers have enjoyed their training this term; I can definitely see great improvements based on our recent gala times. Thank you to all parents who volunteered their time to help, and to all those swimmers who attended to make it a very successful club gala! If anyone would like their race times, please do email me. A few notes:

Due to increasing costs of pool hire, we will be increasing our monthly fees to £37 per month from 1 January 2022. Please go ahead and change your standing order with your bank before this date.

It has been noted that some Senior swimmers are getting out at 8.30pm after an hour, and not telling their parents about this. Instead, they are sitting in the change room until 9pm with their friends. Please note that this is NOT acceptable. We, as coaches, cannot be responsible for swimmers in the change rooms when we still have swimmers in the water for another half hour. Please talk to your child and agree on the time at which they are to be collected. Other swimmers are sitting outside waiting for their parents, in the cold and dark weather, and this too is unsafe, and unacceptable. As always, I encourage ALL senior swimmers to take advantage of the full hour and half offered on both Tuesdays and Thursdays. If we don’t have enough swimmers staying for the last half hour, we may have to cut it short as it does cost the club a substantial amount on pool hire and coaches fees.

A reminder of our term dates below: please note we return on 6 January.

AUTUMN TERM:

Last session: Thursday 16 December 2021 (Fun Session!)

SPRING TERM:

First session: Thursday 6 January 2022

Last session: Thursday 31 March 2022

Half term break: 14-18 February 2022

SUMMER TERM:

First session: Tuesday 19 April 2022

Last session: Thursday 21 July 2022

Half term break: 30 May–3 June 2022

No swimming on bank holidays

Swimming will continue as usual at the Walnuts for all swimmers (from all squads) on Wednesday 22 & 29 Dec 2021 and 5 January 2022 from 5-6pm, during the Christmas period.

It has also been noted that some swimmers are arriving up to 10 minutes late for their session, particularly in the Senior Squad. This means that they miss the majority of their warm up time, which is essential in our preparation for our training, and for injury prevention. Again, please talk to your kids about this, as I suspect some are chatting in the change room and aren’t keeping track of the time.

If anyone has any flippers that are too small, do pass them onto me, and I can try find them a new home. We always have new swimmers trialling for the club, and it’s helpful to pass on fins to those who need them. Likewise, if your child needs new flippers, please come and have a look through my bag for a pair that fits before you buy a new pair.

All Club newsletters and term dates are posted on our website https://swimsquad.org/

We would like to thank all parents for their continued support at CMSS, not only to those who volunteer their time, or who help on the committee, but also to all parents / grandparents/ aunts/uncles/siblings who help with lifting and carrying etc. We realise that it is a team effort and do appreciate your enthusiasm and encouragement for your kids’ swimming.

Finally, we wish you all a safe and happy Festive Season, filled with love, laughter and special memories with your families & friends.

Yours in swimming,

Kim and Committee members

Autumn Newsletter – September 2021

Dear Parents and Swimmers

We hope that you have all had a wonderful Summer break, even if the sunshine hasn’t really showed up this year.  But how lovely that families and friends can be together again!

We have a slight change of swimming times for the new term for the Junior & Intermediate squads on a Monday night. Please refer to the timetable below for all squads training times. We are really pleased in that we are now back to our pre-Covid training hours for all squads, and actually have managed to secure an extra half hour for the Senior Squad, compared to their previous hours.

 MONDAYSTUESDAYSTHURSDAYS
JUNIOR SQUAD7.15pm-8.00pm 5.30-6.30pm
INTERMEDIATE SQUAD8.00pm-9.00pm 6.30-7.30pm
SENIOR SQUAD 7.30pm-9.00pm7.30-9.00pm

AUTUMN TERM:

First session: Monday 6 September 2021

Last session: Thursday 16 December 2021

Half term break: 18-29 October 2021

SPRING TERM:

First session: Monday 3 January 2022

Last session: Thursday 31 March 2022

Half term break: 14-18 February 2022

SUMMER TERM:

First session: Tuesday 19 April 2022

Last session: Thursday 21 July 2022

Half term break: 30 May–3 June 2022

No swimming on bank holidays

We also welcome Carol van Selm to our coaching team. She will be taking over our Wednesday sessions at the Walnuts as my son’s sports schedule has changed this year and I need to be in Tonbridge on a Wednesday evening with him. I will be sad not to see my Wednesday kids every week, but you are in great hands, and I look forward to hearing all about your progress with Carol😊

If anyone is in need of new CMSS kit, see the table below and details on how to order:

T-ShirtsXS£10
 S,M,L,XL,2XL£11
   
Jammers24,26,28,30£14
 32,34,36£14
   
Caps £5
   
Swimsuits26,28,30£14.50
 32,34,36,38,40£16
   

Email Lucy Hutton at cmsskit@gmail.com to order. Kit will be left at poolside for your swimmer to collect. Payment should be made to the club bank account once you are happy with the item.

All dates and kit prices will be posted on our website https://swimsquad.org/

For those who ordered hoodies, we should have them in the first 2 weeks of September, just in time for the cold weather. If anyone else is interested in doing a late hoodie order, please let me know. If we have enough interest, we can put through another order before Christmas.

We look forward to seeing everyone back in the water next week. Our first session is Monday 6 September at BHS. Best of luck to all who are starting their new school years, and may this year be filled with fun, friendship and wonderful opportunities!

Yours in swimming,

Kim & Committee members

Summer newsletter – June 2021

Dear Parents and Swimmers                                                                                        

Firstly, we would like to welcome any new swimmers who have recently joined us at CMSS, and we look forward to sharing some great swimming experiences with you. A big high five to ALL our kids who have returned to swimming and adapted to the new Covid rules. We are so proud of you and how you have handled this crazy year.

Just a few points to remember:

  • Please bear in mind that ALL the usual Covid restrictions remain in place for now, in and around the pool/school and we ask that all parents and swimmers adhere to the current rules and guidelines. Swimmers are to maintain social distancing when arriving at the pool, must arrive ‘beach-ready’ and leave the pool after training without using the changerooms. No shoes will be allowed on poolside; however, all swimmers should wear shoes to the pool entrance. Arriving barefoot means that grass/debris will be walked into the pool area. If anyone needs a reminder about the rules, please look on our website, https://swimsquad.org/ where you will find the video link and previous guidelines for our return to swimming.
  • Our last swim at Bromley High will be on Thursday 22 July 2021. This will be our end-of-year fun session, so please try to attend if possible.
  • SENIOR SQUAD SWIMMERS: All seniors are encouraged to stay for the full hour and half on Tuesdays and Thursdays. We have noticed that MANY swimmers are getting out early, and of course we understand if swimmers need to do this occasionally. However, if we only have a handful of swimmers remaining for the last half hour, it is not financially viable for the club to be paying pool hire costs and coach’s fees. I have also noticed some swimmers get out after one hour and proceed to sit in the changerooms for the last half hour. This will not be tolerated, as the club cannot take responsibility for any swimmers who are on their own in the changeroom, especially when parents may think they are in the water, under the coach’s supervision. Please have a word with your kids about this, and confirm exactly what time they will be getting out and picked up.
  • It has also been noticed that some Junior Squad swimmers are not being collected on time. PLEASE note the finishing time in the table below, and be prompt in collecting your kids. Children are not allowed to be alone around the school, and obviously it is not safe for them.
 MONDAYSTUESDAYSTHURSDAYS
JUNIOR SQUAD7.30pm-8.15pm 5.30-6.30pm
INTERMEDIATE SQUAD8.15pm-9.00pm 6.30-7.30pm
SENIOR SQUAD 7.30pm-9.00pm7.30-9.00pm
  • If anyone has any flippers that are too small, do pass them onto me, and I can try find them a new home. We always have new swimmers trialling for the club, and it’s helpful to pass on fins to those who need them. Likewise, if your child needs new flippers, please come and have a look through my bag for a pair that fits before you buy a new pair😊
  • A reminder again that NO DOGS are allowed on school property. If you do want to walk your dog in Jubilee Park, please be sure to park outside the school gates and walk from there.
  • There have been a number of visitors to the school who are not obeying the one-way traffic system. Please do not enter the school from Thornet Wood Road as this is an exit-only gate.
  • Our AGM will be held on Wednesday 25 August 2021 at 7.30pm. All parents are invited to attend, and do let me know if you want more details.
  • If anyone is in need of new CMSS kit, see the table below and details on how to order:
T-ShirtsXS£10
 S,M,L,XL,2XL£11
   
Jammers24,26,28,30£14
 32,34,36£14
   
Caps £5
   
Swimsuits26,28,30£14.50
 32,34,36,38,40£16
   

Email Lucy Hutton at cmsskit@gmail.com to order. Kit will be left at poolside for your swimmer to collect. Payment should be made to the club bank account once you are happy with the item.

  • Pending the update on Covid restrictions, we are hoping to have our Annual CMSS Picnic Lunch at High Elms on Saturday 31 July. This is a fun day for all our families to come together, play some games and just enjoy the summer weather. Please keep this date free, and join us for some fun times outside the pool. Bring along your picnic, any ballgames you have, and hopefully the sunshine will join us too😊
  • We will be ordering some amazing individualized CMSS hoodies over the next few weeks, for delivery in September/October. Below is a picture of what it will look like, and the cost for each size. Please email me with your order of size and exactly what name/initials you would like printed on the back. Payments can be made into the club account with “HD+YOUR SURNAME” name as a reference. Orders will only be processed once payment has been received. Last date for orders and payment will be 22 July 2021.
 SIZEPRICE
AdultsXS   34/36” S     36/38” M    38/40″ L     40/42″ XL    42/44″ 2XL   44/46″ 3XL   46/48”  £28
Kids3/4 Yrs   22/25″ 5/6 Yrs   25/28″ 7/8 Yrs   28/30″ 9/10 Yrs   30/32″ 11/12 Yrs   32/34″ 13/14 Yrs   34/36″£22

Finally, thank you for all your support, especially during Covid times, and we wish you all a fantastic summer filled with sunshine and happy times!

Yours in swimming,

Kim and Committee members

Return to Swimming – April 2021

Dear Parents and Swimmers,                                                                                      

We are so excited to be starting our training again, and can’t wait to have all our swimmers back in the pool. Thank you again to those parents who have continued to support us during this unpredictable year.

Firstly, we have some very exciting news – we have managed to secure more pool time at Bromley High! Pool time is very difficult to come by, and we are so grateful to the school for offering us the extra time, albeit on a Tuesday evening. With this being said, we will need to change our schedule slightly, and please see the table below for the new changes. The main focus point of our new schedule is that the Senior Squad will move from a Monday evening to a Tuesday evening, and will double their time in the water compared to our previous covid swimming time. This will be so beneficial to our Seniors, who need the extra time in the water to get in some more mileage, and more time to focus on the technique and stamina aspects in one session.

Also, on a positive note, is that our Junior squads and Intermediate squads will now BOTH be able to train on a Monday night (instead of the alternating weeks) which is also very exciting and will be hugely advantageous to all swimmers. When only seeing some children once every fortnight during Covid times, it was difficult to teach our younger swimmers the technical aspects of swimming, especially the starts, turns and stroke correction. Now, we can offer them training every week on a Monday and also encourage them to attend the Thursday session too, to get the maximum benefit out of the coaching sessions.

 MONDAYSTUESDAYSTHURSDAYS
JUNIOR SQUAD7.30pm-8.15pm 5.30-6.30pm
INTERMEDIATE SQUAD8.15pm-9.00pm 6.30-7.30pm
SENIOR SQUAD 7.30pm-9.00pm7.30-9.00pm

Our dates for the new term are Monday 19 April – Thursday 22 July 2021. No swimming at BHS during half term from Mon 31 May- Friday 4 June and no swimming on bank holiday 3 May.

We hope that the new schedule works for all our seniors. Please do be in touch if you need alternative arrangements, e.g. Perhaps arriving late/leaving early as I realise that some of you may have other clubs on that evening.

Wednesday sessions at the Walnuts will hopefully continue as normal, although I have not heard anything from them yet about our restart date. I will let you know as soon as I hear.

Please also bear in mind that when all the Covid restrictions are lifted (and cleaning times between clubs removed again), we may have to rearrange the schedule again. However, we can think about that when the time comes. For now, I hope that you are as excited as the coaches are, to be able to take advantage of more pool time, and get our kids back in the water

We also ask that you re-instate your direct debit for £35 per month from 1 May 2021. If you are not planning to return to swimming, please do let me know as we have a long waiting list of swimmers looking for a place with CMSS.

Due to Covid restriction still in place, we are in need of Covid Helpers at the pool for every session, and I would really appreciate more parent volunteers please. The more people we have offering their help, the less time each parent will need to dedicate – please, let’s share the load! If you feel like you could spare the time, while your child trains, do email me. It is not a difficult job – but it is a vital role that Swim England has in place and our training cannot resume without it. This term, I am particularly needing a Junior Squad parent volunteer on some Mondays and Thursdays. Thank you again to those parents who have helped out during the past year, you are all amazing and we are so grateful for your support!

Please bear in mind that ALL the usual Covid restrictions remain in place in and around the pool/school and we ask that all parents and swimmers adhere to the current rules and guidelines. Swimmers are to maintain social distancing when arriving at the pool, must arrive ‘beach-ready’ and leave the pool after training without using the changerooms (as we did before). No shoes will be allowed on poolside. If anyone needs a reminder about the rules, please look on our website, https://swimsquad.org/ where you will find the video link and previous guidelines for our return to swimming.

If anyone is in need of new kit, please see the table below and details on how to order:

T-shirtsXS£10
 S£11
 M£11
 L£11
 XL£11
 2XL£11
   
Jammers24£14
 26£14
 28£14
 30£14
 32£16
 34£16
 36£16
   
Hats £5
Swimsuits26£14.50
 28£14.50
 30£14.50
 32£16
 34£16
 36£16
 38£16
 40£16

Please email Lucy Hutton at cmsskit@gmail.com to order. Kit will be left at poolside for your swimmer to collect. Payment should be made to the club bank account once you are happy with the item.

We will also be ordering in new CMSS Hoodies, which will be navy with our CMSS logo in white. There may be an option to print your child’s name/initials on the back. Costs range from approximately £20-£25 depending on sizing, and we will email you more details when we have heard back from our suppliers.

We look forward to seeing all Junior and Intermediate Swimmers on Monday 19th April, and Senior Squad swimmers on Tuesday 20th April.

Kind regards

Kim & Committee members