Our History
The Club History
In 1969 there was a massive freeze and the whole of the river Stour froze over. Two children were playing on the frozen river when it cracked, as a result they drowned. Shortly after this a child drowned at Mudeford Quay. As a result of this Bill Bentley and George Stonestreet decided that because there wasn’t anywhere for the children to learn to swim they would hire a double-decker bus to collect the children every Wednesday at 6pm from Christchurch car park and take them to Kinson swimming pool. And so Christchurch Swimming Club was founded.
1968 – The Club was formed
Christchurch Swimming Club was formed. The club pre-dates the building of a pool in Christchurch and the children that were part of the club used to be bused to the Kinson Baths.
1970 – 2 Riversmeet Pool was Built
Bill Bentley (the Mayor of Christchurch) raised funds to make 2 Riversmeet Pool an Indoor Pool as it was originally built as an Outdoor Pool.
1977 – Swim Event
Club members went to Jersey Swimming Club for an event. There used to be a Club Membership Card.
1978 – Club Uniform and Affiliation
The club adopted a Royal Blue and White Swim Costume with a White Flash. There used to be the club colours which were sold in Local Shops. The club had also become affiliated with Hampshire ASA.
1979 – More Swimming Times Secured
Extra swimming time was secured on a Sunday at both Christchurch Pool (2 Riversmeet) and at the Grange School.
1982 – Attended Galas
The club took part in 9 Galas throughout the year. We came 4th out of the 12 clubs participating at Wareham Gala.
1987 – Pressure on Pool time
The leisure centre wanted the club to reduce the pool time to give it to another club. This was resisted by the club.
1993 – 25th Anniversary & Threatened Pool Reduction
It was the 25th anniversary for the club. The club was threatened to reduce their pool time, this was averted with a petition. 1000 people signed and a letter reports a successful negotiation to retain swim club nights.
2001 – Propose to sell 2 Riversmeet & the fight against it
On the 16th of June 2001 the Daily Echo announced that the council wanted to sell 2 Riversmeet. A community meeting was held on the 26th of June 2001 at Portfield Hall and an action group was formed. A petition was formed on the 21st of July 2001 and 7000+ people signed it. The club and Christchurch won and retained all swimming sessions.
2012 – Summer Programme
In celebration of the Olympics, the club held a summer programme covering a lot of different swimming elements. Olympic Swimming, Life Saving, Skills/Strokes Workshop, a Distance Night and a Fun Night. This was a very popular event and many of the club members attended.
2015 – Sponsored Swim for Marie Curie
The club participated in the Swimathon for Marie curie Cancer Care.
2016 – Sponsored Swim for Sports Relief
The club participated in the Swimathon for Sports Relief.
2019 – Covid
The club had to stop Swimming Lessons due to Covid.
2020 – Welcome back from Covid
In September 2020, swimmers were welcomed back but under strict conditions and with a lot of regulations
2025 – Website was made
After many year of having a website made for the club it was finished in March 2025