One Sunday in October 1975, a number of World War II Diggers and returned Vietnam Veterans from around the Gosford area met at the Gosford Olympic Pool to form the Gosford District Diggers Swimming Club.
The club has continued to meet every Sunday ever since and is set to celebrate its 50th anniversary.
Those present at that first meeting were Denis Allen, Ben Barnett, Trevor Blay, Bert Bull, Syd Gibson, Don Gover, Bill Hunter, Dugald MacColl, Gordon Martin, Ralph Mortimer, Larry O’haiher, Neil Roff, Philip Tremethick and Ron Wilson.
Unfortunately, none of those members are still alive today.
The club held its first swim on Sunday, November 16, 1975.
The Gosford District Diggers Swimming Club then affiliated with Gosford RSL in 1978 and is now called the Gosford RSL Diggers Swimming Club.
The foundation members also made sure that the club was affiliated with the AIF Swimming Association of Australia.
They were Stuart Adair, Allen Allard, Chris Armstrong, Les Arndell, Graeme Baker, Paul Bezrouchko, Phil Bible, Keith Brooks, Ken Butt, Bruce Cowley, Peter Dann, Barry Davidson, Doug Flaherty, Athol Frewin, Bob Godding, Brian Gregory, Ross Grond, Bob Gunn, Geoff Grinter, Terry Henstock, Jim Hurley, Peter Martin, Pat Matthews, Ken Mathieson, John McQueen, Bob Potts, Ed Semmens, Bruce Tilley, Ron Tuddenham, Brian Walshe and Stan Willis.
Only four of those – Peter Dann, Jim Hurley, John McQueen and Ed Semmens – are still with us.
John McQueen and Ed Semmens are still swimming.
Between 8.30am and 10am every Sunday, the men compete in 100m, 50m and 30m events plus relays.
“It’s on for young and old,” a spokesperson said.
“We swim for fitness, fun, friendship and competition.
“Every swimmer is given a handicap time for each of the events – which ensures that on their day, anyone can be a winner.
“After the day’s events are completed, the swimmers get together for refreshments and a yarn.”
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