Swimming in Benfleet Creek

zoom

Reading left to right the members are: Tony Wilson, Terry Wilson, John Dickens, Lilian Raffin, Walter Hodges, Trevor Watts, David Huggins, Andrew Brooks (standing), Peter Gillard (seated).

Peter Gillard

zoom

Ready to dive. Reading left to right the members are: Andy Brooks, Richard Mott, Tony Wilkins, John Ellen, Terry Wilson, Mark Wilder, Tony Wilson, Trevor Watts, Peter Gillard. Thanks to Tony Wilkins for completing the names in the lineup.

Peter Gillard

zoom

Note the state-of-the-art clubhouse for Benfleet Swimming Club.

Peter Gillard

Read about the history of Benfleet Swimming Club.

Years ago Benfleet creek was a popular place with the younger generation and boasted a swimming club.

The principal organisers in those days were Lilian Raffin and Walter Hodges – both of whom can be seen in the first photograph – along with some of the young members.

The following photograph shows the boys on the diving board. This was only used in the summer months and removed for the winter – as can be seen in the last photo.

If anyone has their own memories of swimming in the creek, please let us know.