The Southern Swimming Club celebrated its 40th birthday last week with a big birthday bash at the pool in Castletown.

All members past and present were invited.

Given the thousands of young people who have been involved in the club, gauging numbers was tricky, but they got it right, said club chairman Ian Harrop.

’It was brillant,’ he said.

’There was a whole spectrum of people there from the original committee members to swimmers.

’There were hundreds of people there. We had a great night.

’It’s a good little club, it works very well, from the pool side to people coming into the counter.

’A lot of people we taught now their children are swimming with us.

’That’s what it’s all about.’

Does Ian plan to be involved in 10 years’ time? ’You’d better get me a zimmer frame,’ he said.

’You never know, but I’m 76 so probably not.’

The Southern Swimming Club was formed when the swimming pool was built in Arbory Road and now has 140 members, some as young as six years old.

Mr Harrop joined 35 years ago, when his daughter began learning to swim with the club.

He has put the club’s success ’down to the dedication of people’.

The big birthday bash saw fun sessions, prizes, games, a raffle, buffet and a birthday cake.